Galway International Arts Festival and Róisín Dubh – announce James as the first act for the 2026 Heineken® Big Top

Galway International Arts Festival and Róisín Dubh have announced that pop icons James will take to the stage of the Heineken® Big Top on Thursday 23 July 2026. 

For the very first time, James will perform in Galway taking to the stage at the Heineken Big Top during the Galway International Arts Festival 2026.  

Few bands have sustained a career as rich, fearless and celebratory as James. For over four decades, the Manchester legends have created the anthems that have defined generations, from the euphoric Sit Down and the ecstatic Laid to soaring classics like Come Home, She’s A Star and Born of Frustration. Their songs – poetic, spiritual and joyously alive – have soundtracked countless moments of collective release. 

Fresh from their sold-out recent UK arena tour and headline performances at Glastonbury, Rock in Rio and Vive Latino, James arrive at the Festival in unstoppable form for a special performance at the Heineken® Big Top. 

Renowned for their electrifying, unpredictable live shows, where hits are reborn, crowds become choirs and frontman Tim Booth dances like a man possessed, James continue to prove that their connection with audiences runs deeper than ever.  

Their latest album Yummy (2024), which debuted at No.1 in the UK, captures a band still evolving: bold, compassionate and brilliantly inventive. 

Expect a night of transcendence, nostalgia and communal euphoria as one of rock’s most enduring and beloved live acts take the stage. 

James – Live at the Heineken® Big Top. Their first Galway show. A night to sing, dance and lose yourself – together. Bliss state guaranteed. 

Tickets Tickets €54.35 (incl. booking fee) go on sale at 10am Thursday 20 November at giaf.ie  / roisindubh.net