Imelda May to headline Bere Island Arts Festival this September

Bere Island Arts Festival has announced that acclaimed Irish artist Imelda May will headline its 2026 programme with her show Raised on Songs & Stories, performing on the island this September.

The festival, now in its fourth year, runs from 17 to 20 September against the stunning backdrop of Bere Island, Co. Cork. Organisers say the booking marks a major milestone for the event, which continues to grow in ambition and reputation.

May's Raised on Songs & Stories show will bring stripped-back versions of her songs together with poetry, storytelling and the warmth, humour and insight that have made her one of Ireland's most loved performers.

Imelda May, singer, songwriter, producer, actor and poet:

"It'll be an evening of songs, poems, stories, joy and beauty. This idea evolved naturally - I wanted to create a space where anything can happen, where I can share the stories behind the songs and reconnect with fans in a truly spontaneous way. Not a 'show' this will be a shared night of what music, art, connection and creativity means to me, with you."

May is known for her eclectic blend of rockabilly, jazz, blues and soul. Her breakthrough self-written and produced album Love Tattoo (2008) remains the biggest selling album by a homegrown female artist in Ireland, while her most recent release, 11 Past the Hour (2021), marked her fourth Number 1 in Ireland and fourth Top 10 in the UK.

Her six-part RTÉ series Amhráin na nGael struck a chord with many across the nation in 2025 with her exploratory and emotional journey through Ireland's Gaeltacht regions, challenging her relationship with the Irish language through songs and sean-nós singing.

The island is accessible by regular ferry from the mainland throughout the festival, with additional late-night sailings scheduled after evening events. Tickets and full programme details are available at bereislandartsfestival.ie.