- Winterval has launched The Hive, a new 1,200-capacity venue in Waterford
- The High Kings will open the venue on December 18 launching their 2027 tour
- The Boomtown Rats will perform as part of the opening programme
- Mad Ferritt completes the debut line-up of three headline acts
- Tickets go on sale from €38.50 on Friday, August 7 at 10 am
Winterval has unveiled its biggest entertainment expansion to date with the launch of The Hive, a spectacular new 1,200-capacity venue that will host a major programme of headline concerts and comedy throughout Winterval 2026.
Making an unforgettable debut announcement for The Hive brings together three outstanding live acts. The High Kings have chosen Waterford to launch their highly anticipated Power of the People Tour 2027; internationally renowned Irish new wave legends The Boomtown Rats will perform one of the headline concerts, while Ireland’s definitive Oasis tribute act, Mad Ferritt, completes a blockbuster opening programme that is set to establish The Hive as one of the standout attractions of Winterval 2026. Purpose-built for the festival, The Hive will provide a premium live entertainment experience in a fully heated, standing and seated venue, fully floored venue accommodating up to 1,200 people. Complete with a dedicated foyer and bar, the venue has been designed as a vibrant new home for large-scale indoor concerts and comedy performances, significantly expanding Winterval’s evening entertainment offering and creating an exciting new destination at the heart of Ireland’s Christmas Festival.
The High Kings will officially open The Hive on Thursday, December 18, becoming the first act to perform in the venue while simultaneously launching their nationwide Power of the People Tour 2027. Waterford has been selected as the opening date of the tour, giving audiences the unique opportunity to experience the band’s spectacular new live show before anywhere else in Ireland. Joining them at The Hive are one of Ireland’s most iconic and influential rock bands, The Boomtown Rats, led by Bob Geldof alongside original members Garry Roberts, Pete Briquette and Simon Crowe. Having celebrated their landmark 50th anniversary in 2025, The Boomtown Rats continue to enjoy an extraordinary resurgence. Completing the opening line-up is Mad Ferritt, Ireland’s original Oasis tribute act.
Trevor Darmody shared: “The Hive represents one of the most exciting developments in Winterval’s history and marks a significant step forward for the festival. To launch The Hive with artists of the calibre of The High Kings, The Boomtown Rats and Mad Ferritt is a tremendous statement of intent.”
