Borderline Festival – launch party live gallery and review from The Workmans Club Dublin 19.02.2026

Borderline Festival burst into life on Thursday night with a launch party that felt nothing like a warm-up. Two homegrown acts – Affection To Rent and Black Nylon took over the Workman’s stage and made it clear that the weekend ahead wouldn’t be pulling any punches. From the moment doors opened, there was a hum in the room. A free drink on entry didn’t hurt and the anticipation felt genuine – the kind that gathers when a crowd senses they might be about to witness something special.

Affection To Rent were first up, and they wasted no time commanding the attention. The grunge-leaning outfit have already drawn praise from some of Ireland’s most influential voices, including Fontaines D.C., and their live show proves why. Lead singer Abbey cuts a compelling figure at the center of it all. Her ethereal vocal floats above a wall of distortion, creating a striking tension between delicacy and abrasion. It’s a juxtaposition that feels carefully crafted on record but becomes something far more visceral in the room. Heads turned and the conversations stopped, we were all locked in.

Black Nylon followed with a set that cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting emerging names on the circuit. Having already supported Inhaler, they carry themselves with the confidence of a band well aware of their upward trajectory. Their expressive, raw-edged guitar tone drives the live performance, but it’s the melodic instinct underneath that lingers so well. Hooks arrive thick and fast without sacrificing grit. It’s a balance many chase but that few land so convincingly.

If Thursday was only the curtain-raiser, Borderline Festival set itself a formidable benchmark. On the strength of this opening night alone, the weekend promised something intense, immersive, and simply impossible to ignore.

Affection To Rent photos:

Black Nylon photos:

Photos & Words by Myles Dunne – @MylesDunnePhoto