Celebrated Mayo festival reveals line-up for 50th anniversary event

Westival, one of Ireland’s longest-running and most beloved arts festivals, marks its 50th anniversary this year with a programme that celebrates the past while looking firmly to the future. Taking place from October 22 to 27, the festival will showcase an extraordinary mix

of music, theatre, comedy, visual art, and community events across Westport. Today, Westival proudly announces the full line-up for its landmark edition. Among this year’s highlights are:

● Matt Molloy and Special Guests – Town Hall Theatre, October 23

A legendary figure in Irish music, the Chieftains’ flute master takes to the Town Hall stage with a host of celebrated musicians for a night steeped in tradition and joy.

● Ye Vagabonds – Town Hall Theatre, October 25

The revered folk duo make their long-awaited Westival debut, bringing their harmony-rich sound and timeless storytelling to Westport. Sold-Out

● Niall McCabe – Town Hall Theatre, October 26

A cherished local voice with a national following, McCabe returns home for a headline show that promises to be a festival highlight.

● Breda Burns – Custom House Studios + Gallery, opening October 22

A cornerstone of Mayo’s visual arts scene, Burns presents a specially commissioned exhibition created for the 50th anniversary.

● Christopher Coe – Bar 23, Castlecourt Hotel, October 23

The acclaimed electronic composer and producer brings his immersive soundscapes to an intimate late-night setting.

● ZASKA – The Clock Tavern, October 24

The powerhouse collective led by guitarist Max Zaska brings funk, soul, and jazz energy to the festival via a show designed for dancing.

● Cassiopeia Winds – Grove House, October 26 (in association with Westport Chamber Music Festival)

One of Ireland’s leading chamber ensembles perform an adventurous programme in the intimate surroundings of Grove House.

● Paddy Hitler – Clew Bay Hotel, October 25th

A daring one-man play written and performed by Kieran Cooke, telling the darkly comic story of a man grappling with extraordinary family ties.

READ MORE: Mayo town set to host annual Children's festival

Westival Director Byran Pepper commented: “To step into the role of Director in Westival’s 50th year is a real honour. This festival has been part of the fabric of Westport for half a century, and it means a lot to me to carry that legacy forward. My hope is that this year’s programme reflects both where we’ve come from and where we’re headed, while offering audiences moments of joy, connection, and inspiration.”

Now in its 50th year, Westival stands as a cornerstone of the cultural calendar, uniting generations of audiences and artists in a spirit of creativity and celebration. This year’s edition promises to honour its rich history while continuing to surprise, provoke, and inspire.

The official launch event will take place on this Friday night, September 19 on Culture Night at McGing's Bar on High Street in Westport. Tickets and full programme details are available now at www.westival.ie