Mark your calendars for a landmark cultural celebration. Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) returns to Cork from September 11th to 14th, 2025, celebrating ten years since its inception as a biennial festival. Set to captivate audiences with music, dance, and conversation, SFSH25 promises to be an unforgettable experience on the coast of Ireland’s most vibrant and rapidly evolving city.

This tenth anniversary edition will once again bring together an extraordinary curatorial team led by Festival Director Mary Hickson, with actor Cillian Murphy, Bryce Dessner (The National), and welcoming two exciting new collaborators: celebrated author Max Porter and artist and folklorist Billy MagFhlionn. The team also extends a special thanks to former curators Aaron Dessner and playwright Enda Walsh, who will continue to contribute to this beloved festival’s rich legacy.

Over the past decade, Sounds from a Safe Harbour has grown into a beacon of artistic innovation and community spirit, hosting an array of unforgettable moments that have left a lasting impact on Ireland’s cultural landscape. Past highlights include mesmerising performances by Lisa Hannigan, The National, Bon Iver, Ólafur Arnalds, and Feist; immersive collaborations between choreographers and musicians that transformed intimate spaces across the city; thought-provoking discussions with writers like Max Porter, and artists like Dorothy Cross; and a stunning array of visual art installations dotted around the city. From surprise pop-up concerts to large-scale multi-disciplinary productions, Sounds from a Safe Harbour has continuously celebrated boundary-pushing art and brought global talent to Cork, establishing itself as a cherished event for audiences and artists alike.

Adding to the anticipation, Cork was recently featured in National Geographic’s Top 25 Places in the World to Visit in 2025. Cork now stands proudly alongside international destinations like Guadalajara, Mexico, and Suru Valley, India, highlighting its unique appeal for visitors of all ages and interests. National Geographic specifically noted Sounds from a Safe Harbour as a must-experience event for those visiting Cork. As the only Irish destination to make the list, Cork was praised for its emerging urban renaissance and ambitious developments, which include the Cork City Development Plan’s vision for the port and docklands, and the refurbishment of Crawford Art Gallery.

Stay tuned for information on SFSH25 programming and join us as we celebrate ten transformative years of Sounds from a Safe Harbour, September 11th – 14th 2025.

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Photo credit: Bríd O'Donovan