Trudi Lalor's Diary: Upcoming country music concerts and festivals at home and abroad

2 weeks ago 5

LOVELY LAOIS

I am super excited to share the news about a brand new festival which will be taking place from 5-7 September 2025 in my native county of Laois. The Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival is a full weekend packed with the best that the county has to offer, with many free events taking place, including wonderful free music on the streets, a family fun day, free literary and songwriting workshops plus much more! As part of the festival, a new play will make its debut at The Dunamaise Theatre in Portlaoise and Nashville songwriting legend Max T Barnes will make a special appearance.

There will be a Céili Mór plus other genres of music over the weekend for you to enjoy, including trad sessions, pop, jazz and a tribute to the music of ABBA! A gala dinner honouring Laois people who have made a difference will take place on the Saturday night followed by music and dancing to Shawn Cuddy, Damien Bowe and myself.

There will also be seven free afternoon tea dances across the county on the Sunday, with music from social dancing entertainers plus refreshments served. You are all welcome to join us no matter where you live!

Check out the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival Facebook page for more information.

DECK THE HALLS

I am bringing my annual Christmas Show back to Bru Boru Theatre in Cashel, Co Tipperary, on 7 December for yet another year. This annual show is always one of my favourites and will be packed full of music, song and laughter. My special guests include The Musketeers: Mick Foster, Billy Morrissey and TR Dallas. Paddy O'Brien, newcomer Effle Neill and the Barry Doyle Band will also be there on the night.

Tickets are on sale now from Bru Boru Theatre on 062 61122, bruboru.ie and on Eventbrite.

SUMMER SUN

I'm really looking forward to Brendan Shine headlining our 21st anniversary of The Fun In The Sun overseas music holiday in Portugal. The trip takes place from 10-17 May 2025, with guests enjoying seven nights in the stunning four-star hotel Dom Pedro Vilamoura in the Algarve.