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The Soma Festival will be back for a jam packed weekend of music, culture, and festivities in the beautiful town of Castlewellan, County Down, 18-20 July 2025.
2024 was an impressive array of events specially curated by the dedicated Soma team.
The music kicked off with Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, one of the most exciting voices to come out of Dublin in the last decade, bringing his mix of sean-nós style with contemporary lyrics to the King’s Inn on Friday 19 July. Support on the night comes from the fabulous Ciara McCrickard Trio, led by the much-loved musician and Castlewellan native.
World-renowned Cork folk artist John Spillane will be joining the Soma House Band for a night of gorgeous song in St. Malachy’s GAC on Saturday 20 July. The Soma House Band 2024 are: Graham Henderson (keys), John Mc Sherry (pipes/low whistle), Emma King (percussion/drums), Seán Ó Meara (guitar), and Tola Custy (fiddle).
Trailblazing tradtronica group Huartan (Catriona Ní Ghribín, Stiofán Ó Luachráin & Múlú) return to the Soma stage in St. Malachy’s GAC on Friday 19 July with their irresistible blend of traditional Irish song, electronic beats, and innovative choreography.
High energy funk group GrooveLine and uplifting Belfast folk outfit Lonesome George will close the festival weekend in the King’s Inn, Sunday 21 July.
Hubs of the festival include: Mind, Body & Soul, a dedicated health and wellness area and craft fair based in The Lodge Business & Cultural Centre (10am - 5.30pm Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 July), and Soma in the Square, featuring live music, Whitewater Brewing Co. Bar, free family entertainment, kids activities, and food in Castlewellan Upper Square (11am - 7pm Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 July). Little Gems, a series of free special events dotted throughout Castlewellan, include: a book reading with Michael Magee (author of award-winning novel ‘Close to Home’), nature walks, a panel discussion, in partnership with Glór Uachtar Tíre, on the rise of Irish language in film (featuring Colm Bairéad, writer/director of Oscar-nominated An Cailín Ciúin), and a session trail that will snake its way through the many watering holes of the town.
Tíona McSherry, Soma Festival Director says “our team have come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy. We’re so excited for the incredible acts we have coming to perform. We hope Castlewellan is as buzzing for it as we are! Thanks to our funders, sponsors and partners Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Foras na Gaeilge, Whitewater Brewing Co., Glór Uachtar Tíre, Dolmens Climate Action Network, Cumann Phobail Garbhdhoire and to all the wonderful volunteers who help make The Soma Festival a reality.”
