The air in Bantry is buzzing with anticipation as the Rising Tide Festival 2025 prepares to make a splash! Mark your calendars for Friday, 18 April, as this vibrant celebration of Diversity and Inclusion kicks off a weekend of unforgettable music, thrilling sports, and community spirit at the home of Bantry Blues GAA.
Sponsored by the generous support of Greencoat Renewables and Heineken, this ALL AGES event promises something special for everyone from Friday evening right through to Sunday night.
Nestled in the scenic beauty of West Cork, Bantry is known for its warm hospitality and strong community bonds.
The Rising Tide Festival perfectly encapsulates this spirit, offering a fantastic opportunity to come together, celebrate inclusivity, and enjoy a diverse range of entertainment.
Taking place at Bantry Blues GAA, Wolfe Tone Park, Newtown (P75 AH70), this easily accessible location will be transformed into a hub of excitement and camaraderie. Forget about venue parking for this one, though – it’s best to plan your travel accordingly to fully enjoy the festivities.
This isn’t just another weekend event; it’s a statement. The Rising Tide Festival, proudly presented by Bantry Blues, champions the values of diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for all attendees. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun-filled weekend with family and friends, this festival has you covered.
Dive into the Friday Night Fun: The Céilí Experience
The festival kicks off on Friday, April 18th, with a traditional Irish celebration that’s sure to get your feet tapping. From 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the marquee at Bantry Blues GAA will come alive with the lively tunes of Uí Bhriain, a renowned local band guaranteed to deliver an authentic and energetic Céilí.
For just €10 at the door, you can immerse yourself in the infectious rhythms of Irish music and experience the joy of traditional set dancing. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend, embracing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Saturday: A Whirlwind of Sport, Music, and Inclusive Fun
Saturday, April 19th, promises a jam-packed day running from 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM, catering to a wide range of interests. The focus on diversity and inclusion truly shines through in the variety of activities on offer:
- Ball4All (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM): This inclusive sporting activity provides an opportunity for everyone to participate and enjoy the fun of ball games, regardless of ability. It’s a fantastic way to promote teamwork and community engagement.
- Mothers & Others Blitz (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM): This popular initiative encourages women of all ages and fitness levels to get involved in Gaelic football in a fun and supportive environment. Expect to see some spirited matches and plenty of laughter.
- Children’s Playzone (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM): Families with young children will appreciate the dedicated play area, ensuring the little ones are entertained while the adults enjoy the other activities.
- Marc De Zoeten Duo (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Enjoy the captivating sounds of the Marc De Zoeten Duo, providing a relaxing and enjoyable musical backdrop to the afternoon’s events.
- West Cork Jesters Ladies vs. Ballincollig Trailblazers (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Witness the excitement of women’s rugby as the West Cork Jesters Ladies take on the Ballincollig Trailblazers in what promises to be a thrilling match. This highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse sporting talents.
- West Cork Jesters Men’s Exhibition Match (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM): Following the ladies’ game, the West Cork Jesters Men will take to the field for an exhibition match, offering another opportunity to enjoy the fast-paced action of rugby.
- 4 Honor Academy Jiu Jitsu (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM): Experience the discipline and skill of Jiu Jitsu with a demonstration from the 4 Honor Academy. This provides a glimpse into a different sporting discipline, further enriching the festival’s diverse offerings.
- Now That’s What I Call Music Disco… Through The Years (7:00 PM – 9:30 PM): As the evening sets in, get ready to dance the night away to a nostalgic soundtrack of hits from across the decades. This disco promises a fun and inclusive atmosphere for everyone to let loose and enjoy.
Entry to all of Saturday’s events is just €10, offering incredible value for a full day of entertainment.
Sunday: A Grand Finale of Sport and Music
Sunday, April 20th, brings the Rising Tide Festival to a fantastic close (from 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM) with a blend of local sporting action and live music:
- Bantry Blues Premier Intermediate 7’s (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Witness the speed and skill of Gaelic football 7s as the Bantry Blues Premier Intermediate team showcases their talents. This fast-paced version of the game is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Live Sport – Cork Vs. Clare – Munster Hurling Championship (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): For GAA enthusiasts, the big screen in the marquee will be showing the highly anticipated Munster Hurling Championship clash between Cork and Clare. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere and cheer on your county!
- Kids Zone (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): The dedicated kids’ area continues on Sunday, ensuring that younger attendees remain entertained throughout the afternoon.
- John Coleman & Band (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Enjoy the fantastic live music of the John Coleman & Band, providing a perfect soundtrack to a relaxed Sunday afternoon. Their performance will add a vibrant and enjoyable element to the festival.
- DJ Billy Flaherty (7:00 PM – 9:30 PM): The festival culminates with a lively set from DJ Billy Flaherty, ensuring the weekend ends on a high note with music and dancing for everyone to enjoy.
Just like Saturday, entry to all of Sunday’s events is also €10.
The Ultimate Value: The 3-Day Pass
For those looking to immerse themselves in the full Rising Tide Festival experience, a special 3-Day Pass is available for the incredible price of just €20! This offers fantastic value, granting you access to all the events from Friday night through to Sunday evening.
Special Considerations for Young GAA Supporters
In a wonderful gesture of community support, U-16 Bantry Blues Club Members enjoy FREE entry to all festival events. Additionally, an U-18 I.D. will be required for entry, ensuring responsible access to the various activities.
Fueling the Fun: Food, Drinks, and More
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere with a Heineken sponsored bar on site, offering a place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. While the specific food vendors haven’t been detailed, you can expect options to keep you fueled throughout the weekend. Keep an eye on the festival’s social media channels for updates on food availability.
While merchandise details are yet to be announced, it’s always worth checking if there will be any souvenirs available to commemorate your experience at the Rising Tide Festival. Card payments are expected to be accepted at the bar and potentially for entry, but it’s always wise to have some cash on hand just in case.
Behind the Scenes: Greencoat Renewables – Powering Community
The Rising Tide Festival 2025 is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors like Greencoat Renewables Ballybane Wind Farm. Greencoat Renewables is a leading investor in renewable energy infrastructure, committed to a sustainable future. Their involvement highlights the festival’s connection to positive community development and environmental awareness.
Stay Connected: Follow the Rising Tide
Don’t miss out on any updates or behind-the-scenes glimpses! Follow The Rising Tide Festival on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556796781932) and Instagram (instagram.com/therisingtidefestival) to stay in the loop with the latest news, schedules, and any potential changes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Guide to the Festival
To ensure you have all the information you need, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
- Where is the event on? Bantry Blues GAA, Wolfe Tone Park, Newtown P75 AH70, Bantry.
- When is the event on? Friday, 18 April 2025 (8:00 PM) – Sunday, 20 April 2025 (9:30 PM) GMT+1.
- Is it a family event? Absolutely! With a dedicated Children’s Playzone and a diverse range of activities, the Rising Tide Festival is designed to be enjoyed by all ages.
- Will I be able to get food on site? Yes, food options will be available. Keep an eye on the festival’s social media for specific details.
- Will there be merchandise available? Details regarding merchandise will be announced closer to the event.
- Is card payment accepted? Card payment is expected to be accepted at the bar and potentially for entry, but it’s advisable to have some cash as a backup.
- Who are Greencoat Renewables? Greencoat Renewables is a leading investor in renewable energy infrastructure, committed to a sustainable future and a proud sponsor of the Rising Tide Festival.
Don’t Miss Out: Be Part of the Rising Tide!
The Rising Tide Festival 2025 in Bantry promises to be a truly special weekend, celebrating the vibrant spirit of community, diversity, and inclusion. With a fantastic lineup of music, sports, and activities for all ages, it’s the perfect way to spend the Easter weekend in West Cork. So gather your friends and family, embrace the welcoming atmosphere, and ride the wave of community spirit at the Rising Tide Festival! Get your tickets now and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
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