Hidden Gems stage to feature at Tipperary music festival

When Next We Meet is set to take place on the idyllic grounds of Raheen House Clonmel once again, for its third annual celebration of Irish artists this June bank holiday weekend. Having already announced a stacked line up for its main stage featuring award winning folk artists Ye Vagabonds and Susan O’Neill, indie giants Bell X1, rising talent Rachael Lavelle and Tipp/Dublin based artists Cormac Looby & The Line, organisers are excited to reveal the artists performing live on the all new Hidden Gems stage.

Since its inception in 2022, When Next We Meet has been committed to showcasing the best of local Irish artists, and this year’s line-up on the Hidden Gems stage continues that ethos. Local artists have been a cornerstone of the festival since its inception in 2022. The Hidden Gems stage represents a reimagining of the festival’s local artist platform, evolving from acoustic performances and DJ sets into a fully-realised showcase nestled under a stretch tent in the stunning walled garden. The intimate setting offers a platform for artists to present their music authentically, in front of a captivated festival audience. 

“We’ve been set on amplifying local artists here in Clonmel at both the festival and beyond since before we launched in 2022. Support from Clonmel Credit Union and Tipperary Museum of Hidden History has empowered us as organisers to give these acts a platform where they can present their work authentically, as they want it to be heard. As artists ourselves, we’re aware that stripped back sets are part and parcel of the gig, but we’re happy with the direction Hidden Gems has taken this strand of When Next We Meet”, Kate Twohig, festival co-director.

Amongst the acts set to play the Hidden Gems stage are indie rock newcomers MDR straight off the back of their debut headline show in Cyprus Avenue. Their yet to be released tracks promise to captivate audiences with raw energy and infectious melodies. Folk favourites The Cedartowns known for their well-crafted original songs are set to excite festival goers with their genre-blending sound featuring the blood harmonies of sisters Michele and Mary Nugent. 

Briars describe themselves as original Irish music, making alt folk noises in Cork City with a South-Easterly accent. That accent would be the impenetrable Carrick-on-Suir accents of lead writers Mick Grace and Paul O’Shea. Ruairí de Leaster has been an accomplished writer from a young age, fronting many successful and bands and duos. He’s shared staged with Duke Special, Lisa Hannigan, Jerry Fish and Foy Vance, showcasing his stage presence of true passion. 

Returning to the festival for the third time is Clonmel native Eve Whelan whose soulful vocals and captivating performances have earned her acclaim at events like Other Voices of UCC and Clonmel Junction Festival. 

The Wood of O are an alternative folk group led by singer-songwriter Breege Phelan and songwriter/composer Will McLellan, promising haunting melodies and intricate arrangements that will resonate long after the festival ends.

Rouding up the lineup is Seánie Birmingham, a Dublin-based folk artist form Mullinahone, Tipperary. His expressive lyrics and intricate musical arrangement cultivate unique soundscapes which seak to feelings of heartbreak, anxiety and acceptance. With influence ranging from Sufjan Stevens to Adrianne Lenker, Seánie’s performance is sure to be a highlight of the weekend.

Clonmel Vinyl, a collective of local vinyl DJ’s will host the after party, which takes place in the hotel, with a very limited capacity and one promise – no cameras. 

With it’s lineup now complete, When Next We Meet is set to be an unmissable celebration of Irish artists this June 1st and 2nd at Raheen House, Clonmel.

Weekend and Day tickets are now on sale, from €35 plus booking fees, with very limited availability. Head to www.whennextwemeet.ie/

tickets

To keep up to date with announcements, follow When Next We Meet on Instagram, Facebook, and X. 

Supported by Camida, funded by Tipperary County Council, Tipperary Museum of Hidden History and Clonmel Credit Union.

MEMORABLE 

EXPERIENCES

When Next We Meet is an artist led music festival that moves away from commercial programming, towards curating a line-up of artistic excellence. 

It’s goals are to reinvigorate the local music scene while once again brining Ireland’s most renowned artists to South Tipperary audiences. 

Built on the cornerstone of treating artists and audiences like old friends, the festival is a meeting place where meaningful connections are made alongside memorable experiences. 

This is not a camping festival. 

Local hospitality providers are listed on the When Next We Meet website.