Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival commences in Cork today

Mary Hickson director of Sounds from a Safe Harbour

Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival Returns to Cork for 10th AnniversaryThe Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) festival, taking place from 11 to 14 September 2025 in Cork City, will mark its 10th anniversary with a diverse programme of music, dance, literature, and visual art.

Held across various venues, including Cork Opera House, Cyprus Avenue, and Elizabeth Fort, this biennial event celebrates artistic collaboration and innovation, drawing both local and international audiences to Ireland’s vibrant southern city. Visitors can expect a mix of ticketed performances and free pop-up events, set against the backdrop of Cork’s evolving urban landscape, recently highlighted by National Geographic as one of the top 25 places to visit in 2025.

The festival opens on Thursday, 11 September, with Remembering Talos at Cork Opera House, a tribute to the late Cork musician Eoin French, known as Talos, featuring performances by his collaborators. The evening continues with the 37d03d Opening Ritual at Elizabeth Fort, launching a weekend of intimate and large-scale productions. Highlights include a double piano show by electronic music producer Jon Hopkins and S. Carey, a joint performance by Ben Howard and Kate Stables of This Is The Kit, and a set by Grammy-winning folk artist Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi.

Other notable acts include Villagers, Lisa Hannigan, Beth Orton, Black Country, New Road, and Crash Ensemble with Rachel Lavelle and RÓIS. The festival concludes with a finale hosted by Danish art rock band Efterklang, joined by special guests. Additional events feature album launches by Junior Brother and Dáithí, a country music covers set hosted by Amanda Bergman, and pop-up performances across the city, including at The River Lee Hotel and Coughlans. The 37d03d residency, a cornerstone of the festival, brings together over 60 artists, such as SOAK, Gordi, and Angie McMahon, to collaborate and create new work during the week leading up to the event.

Visitors can anticipate a rich, immersive experience that blends music with other art forms, such as dance, theatre, and visual installations. Past festivals have included collaborations between choreographers and musicians, discussions with writers like Max Porter, and art by Dorothy Cross, suggesting similar interdisciplinary events for 2025. Many venues are accessible by public transport, and tickets, ranging from €20 to €50 for headline shows, are on sale via soundsfromasafeharbour.com. Free pop-up events encourage spontaneous discovery, while the festival’s collaborative ethos fosters a sense of community. Visitors should check accessibility details for specific venues, as some offer wheelchair access and sensory-friendly options.

The Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival began in 2015, founded by Mary Hickson and Bryce Dessner of The National, with early contributions from Aaron Dessner, Cillian Murphy, and playwright Enda Walsh. Initially conceived as a platform for artistic risk-taking, it has grown into one of Ireland’s most distinctive cultural events, known for its emphasis on collaboration and boundary-pushing art. The festival has hosted artists like Bon Iver, The National, Ólafur Arnalds, and Feist, alongside local talents such as Dermot Kennedy and The Mary Wallopers. The 2023 edition, the first post-pandemic, featured Wilco and a culinary collaboration between Irish and Icelandic chefs, reflecting its eclectic scope. The loss of Eoin French, a key figure in the festival’s early years, has shaped this year’s tribute focus. Mary Hickson, the current festival director, leads a curatorial team that includes Cillian Murphy, Bryce Dessner, author Max Porter, and folklorist Billy Mag Fhlionn, with Aaron Dessner and Enda Walsh continuing to contribute.

The festival’s 10th edition aims to deepen connections between artists and audiences, with Hickson noting its significance as a celebration of the event’s evolution. Supported by partners like the Arts Council of Ireland and Cork City Council, SFSH remains a community-driven event that highlights Cork’s cultural vitality. Visitors can explore the city’s attractions, such as the Crawford Art Gallery, alongside the festival, making it a compelling destination for art lovers. For the latest programme updates, soundsfromasafeharbour.com is the primary resource.