Mayo Folk and Bluegrass Festival announces most ambitious line-up to date

The Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival (WFBF), Ireland’s premier celebration of folk and bluegrass music, is set to return for its 19th edition this weekend from June 5 to 8. Renowned for its unique blend of Irish and American roots music, the festival continues to foster collaborations between artists and audiences, both local and international​.

WFBF was established in 2007 to broaden public access to the traditional music of Ireland and the USA. Year upon year, it has increased and diversified its programming and its audiences. As a result, not only is it now considered the leading annual Bluegrass event in Ireland, it is also recognised as a vital showcase for Irish musicians in the west.

It is a unique event where people from all parts of the performer-audience spectrum can connect, collaborate, and evolve their musical traditions. This excellent track record is reflected in the willingness of prime-calibre musical performers to travel to this relatively remote place to play, the number of return visitors to the festival from the USA, UK, Europe and Ireland, and the fondness with which it is viewed by the local community.

Ambitious line-up

This year's festival boasts its most ambitious line-up yet, featuring a mix of acclaimed international and local artists. Headlining acts from the United States include The Cox Family, Seth Mulder and Midnight Run, The Burnette Sisters Band, Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road, Sylamore Special, Golden Shoals, Nadine Landry and Stephen ‘Sammy’ Lind, Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones, Shelton & Williams, and Whiskey Mash.​

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European talent is well-represented with performances by Blue Weed (Italy), Loes And The Celtic Link (Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland), and Old Baby Mackerel (UK). From the UK and Ireland, attendees can look forward to Jack Warnock and Elenor Gaffney (Northern Ireland), Tim Rogers (Westport), The Rocky Top String Band (County Mayo), and a special collaboration featuring Freda Hatton, Julie Langan, Declan Askin, and Brendan Butler (Westport and Cork).

Community engagement

Building on its tradition of diverse programming, WFBF 2025 will feature: Three fully-seated, ticketed evening concerts at Westport Town Hall Theatre, spotlighting Old-Time & Bluegrass (Friday and Saturday) and Irish Folk (Sunday); A pre-festival concert highlighting the unique sound of family bands in bluegrass music (Thursday, June 5); Over 15 pub gigs showcasing esteemed regional and international musicians; Many open sessions led by professional musicians, encouraging community participation; A Sunday morning Gospel concert at Westport Town Hall Theatre; An intercultural music exhibition celebrating the fusion of musical traditions; A universities symposium fostering academic discussions on folk and bluegrass music; New additions for 2025, including more masterclasses, a Mayo luthier showcase, the String Summit—an artists’ collaboration, and a community-based event with the Westport Social Ladies Group.​

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Limited tickets are available for some of the festival’s main concerts, and more information about the festival, including the full programme and updates, visit the official website www.westportfolkandbluegrass.com.