Ye Vagabonds, Bell X1 to headline Clonmel festival

When Next We Meet returns to Raheen House, Clonmel this June Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday and Sunday June 1 and 2.

Now in its third year, the concert series has steadily carved out a niche as a standout event on the Irish music festival calendar.

This year, the festival headliners are Ye Vagabonds on June 1 and Bell X1 on June 2.

Renowned for their blending of traditional and contemporary folk, Ye Vagabond's recent album "Nine Waves" has garnered widespread praise.

With a career spanning over two decades, Bell X1 are known for hits like "The Great Defector" and "Rocky Took a Lover." Their dynamic live performances and rich discography have earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Opening for Ye Vagabonds on Saturday are Susan O’Neill and Cormac Looby.

Susan O’Neill has gained recognition with "In The Game," her collaboration with Mick Flannery. The album earned her nominations for the Choice Music Prize and RTEì Radio 1 Folk Awards, including 'Album of the Year' and 'Female Folk Artist of the Year'.

Cormac Looby, a singer-songwriter from Cahir will also take the stage on Saturday. Drawing inspiration from artists like Mick Flannery and Phoebe Bridgers, Cormac is set to release his debut album, "A Perpetual State of Irony," in 2024, featuring ten brand new tracks produced at the Black Gate Studio.

Warming the stage for Bell X1 on Sunday are Rachael Lavelle and The Line.

Rachael Lavelle, a Dublin-born singer and composer, had her debut album "Big Dreams" recently in the running for the Choice Music Prize Album of the Year.

The Line, the pseudonym of Brian Dillon from Nenagh, brings a wealth of experience from his work with Meltybrains? and collaborations with various Irish artists. His latest project, "Red Blood Cells & Righteousness," features contributions from Murli, God Knows, Sorcha Richardson, and more.

Local artists have been a cornerstone of the festival since its inception in 2022. The new 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. Acts to perform on the Hidden Gems stage include: MDR, The Cedartowns, Briars, Ruairí de Leaster, Eve Whelan, The Wood of O, Seánie Bermingham, and Clonmel Vinyl, a collective of local vinyl DJ’s will host the Festival after party late in to the night.

Beyond the music, When Next We Meet offers a weekend of community, art, food, and live entertainment, making it a must-attend event for friends, families, artists, and audiences alike.

Weekend tickets and day tickets are available on www.whennextwemeet.ie/tickets.