Galway International Arts Festival and Róisín Dubh today announced three new unmissable acts to their Heineken® Big Top at Galway International Arts Festival 2026 line-up: Block Rockin Beats on Friday 17 July 2026, Emeli Sandé and James Morrison on Saturday 18 July 2026, and BELL X1 on Saturday 25 July 2026. These concerts promise three unforgettable nights under the Heineken Big Top as part of Galway International Arts Festival, which runs from 13-26 July 2026.
Block Rockin Beats
Friday 17 July 2026
Tickets €54.35 (incl. booking fee)
On sale 10am Friday 28 November from giaf.ie / roisindubh.net
Created by Dec Pierce, Block Rockin Beats is a high-octane fusion of the world’s biggest dance anthems and rock classics, where rave meets rock in a thrilling live performance featuring a full live band.
Based on Pierce’s acclaimed Today FM radio show of the same name, Block Rockin Beats celebrates the sounds that shaped dancefloors across three decades. Since first taking to the decks in 1995, Dec has built a reputation for unforgettable performances packed with passion, nostalgia and crowd energy.
Expect anthems like No Good (Start the Dance), Smells Like Teen Spirit, and Beastie Boys’ Sabotage, brought to life in an electrifying, must-see live phenomenon. Step inside the Heineken Big Top next July and experience a unique mix of music and visuals – louder, rawer and more powerful than ever.
Emeli Sandé and James Morrison
Saturday 18 July 2026
Tickets €59.85 (incl. booking fee)
On sale 10am Friday 28 November from giaf.ie / roisindubh.net
Emeli Sandé is celebrated as one of the most powerful and distinctive singer-songwriters of her generation. Her record-breaking 2012 debut Our Version of Events remains one of the decade’s best-selling albums, featuring hits such as Heaven, Next to Me and Read All About It.
With acclaimed follow-up releases and collaborations with artists, including Naughty Boy, Labrinth, Alicia Keys and David Guetta, Sandé has further cemented her reputation, not only as a gifted songwriter, but also as a performer known for emotionally charged, vocally stunning live shows.
BRIT Award-winning James Morrison brings his soulful voice and timeless hits, from global breakthrough You Give Me Something to favourites like Broken Strings and I Won’t Let You Go, alongside songs from his 2025 album Fight Another Day. On stage, Morrison is magnetic – warm, expressive and vocally electrifying.
Sandé and Morrison promise an unforgettable evening of outstanding music from two artists at the peak of their powers.
BELL X1
Saturday 25 July 2026
Tickets €49.20 (incl. booking fee)
On sale 10am Friday 28 November from giaf.ie / roisindubh.net
One of Ireland’s most beloved bands, Bell X1, return to the Heineken Big Top for another unforgettable Festival night.
Renowned for their musical range and fearless experimentation, Bell X1 have embraced everything from alternative and indie rock to electronica, folk and synth-pop, earning a reputation as one of Ireland’s most consistently innovative acts.
Audiences can look forward to fan favourites and hits from their acclaimed back catalogue, including Rocky Took a Lover, The Great Defector, Alphabet Soup, The End is Nigh and Flame.
With four albums nominated for the Choice Music Prize and three debuting at No.1 on the Irish Album Charts, Bell X1 continue to be celebrated for their craft, creativity and compelling live shows. Their most recent release, 2023’s Merciful Hour, was hailed as one of their most accomplished to date.
Expect soaring melodies, sharp lyrics and unmistakable chemistry when they take to the Heineken® Big Top stage – a summer highlight not to be missed.
For nearly half a century, Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) has helped shape Galway’s cultural landscape – presenting a world-class annual festival that unites local and international artists across a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme; commissioning; producing and touring new work; and championing leading ideas through its First Thought series, while increasingly embedding inclusivity and sustainability across its programmes. As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, GIAF continues to enhance Galway’s reputation as a creative, innovative and internationally connected city. GIAF 2026 will take place from 13–26 July.
Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding agencies the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken®; and Education Partner University of Galway.