Oakfest 2026
September 5th & 6th
Donegal’s Family-Friendly Music Festival is back!
Oakfest is back for 2026, bigger and better than ever!
Donegal’s family-friendly festival returns on the 5th & 6th September 2026, with a line-up that includes an impressive list of musical talent. With two very different line-ups across two stages, this two-day live music festival, right in the heart of Donegal, will rock and entertain you all day and into the night.
Day 1 Saturday, September 5th
“Live and Original Acts”
• The Boomtown Rats • The Stunning (Special Guests) • Super Céili • Fake Friends • Lazember
Day 2 Sunday, September 6th
“Legends Reimagined”
• Daft Punk Tribute • The Elvis Spectacular • Proud Mary & her City Limits Band – Tina Turner Tribute • Legendary – A Tribute to Bon Jovi • Luke & Lainey Live – A Nashville Experience • Taylor NI hosted by Sabrina C
This year is bigger and better than ever before, with so many new additions to enhance your festival mood.
Aside from the live music, we promise bigger and more bars. Buffers will be serving delicious food, the BBQs will be fired up, and there will be more children’s entertainment with a full family schedule on the way.
Although pets are welcome in Oakfield Park generally, please do not bring your pets to Oakfest, as they will not be permitted.
Limited VIP Tickets with access to The Green Room VIP area, with a welcome drink, private bar and view of both stages!
Shuttle buses from McGettigan Travel will run from Letterkenny, picking-up from and returning to The Orchard Venue. There will be a pick-up in Raphoe also. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for updates!
Capacity is very limited, and TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE GATE.
Limited parking is available, but please do remember to BOOK PARKING before checkout.
Prices will be at their lowest when first on sale and will rise as the event approaches.
Under 3’s enter for free and don’t need a ticket.
Please note: This purchase is non-refundable. No refunds will be offered at any time for this event (except where you are legally entitled to one).
Single Day Tickets
Adults €49.90
Children €19.90
Under 3’s Free
Adults €89.90
Children €29.90
Under 3’s Free
VIP Tickets – over 18’s
Day Ticket €99.90
Weekend €189.90
The Boomtown Rats
The Stunning
Super Ceili
Fake Friends
Lazember
Daft Punk Tribute
The Elvis Spectacular
Tina Turner Tribute
Legendary Bon Jovi Tribute
Luke & Lainey Live
Taylor NI – Taylor Swift Tribute Hosted by Sabrina C
Sponsors
Headliners, Day 1 at Oakfest 2026
Internationally-renowned Irish New Wave Band
The Boomtown Rats are an Irish new wave band that had a series of international hits between 1977 and 1985. The group is led by front-man vocalist Bob Geldof. The other members of the original line-up were Garry Roberts (lead guitar), Johnnie Fingers (keyboard), Pete Briquette (bass), Gerry Cott (guitar) and Simon Crowe (drums).
The Boomtown Rats broke-up in 1986, but reformed with original members Geldof, Roberts, Crowe and Briquette in 2013.
Bob Geldof said, “Playing again with The Rats and doing those great songs again is exciting afresh. We were an amazing band and I just feel it’s the right time to re-Rat, to go back to Boomtown for a visit.” In June 2013, the band embarked on a UK and Ireland tour supported by a new “Best of” album called Back to Boomtown: Classic Rats Hits.
The response to the 2013 tour was excellent and The Rats continued to tour in 2014 and played their first gigs for twenty-five years in North America (New York and Boston).
The Boomtown Rats have also released a compilation of classic Rats tracks entitled ‘So Modern – The Boomtown Rats Collection’, it mixes some of the bands biggest hits including the number 1 smashes ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and ‘Rat Trap’ with some of the band’s deeper album tracks and is a fantastic introduction to a group with an incredible legacy.
In March 2020, they released a new album, ‘Citizens of Boomtown’, and a lead single, ‘Trash Glam Baby’.
The Boomtown Rats are celebrating their 50th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, they are releasing “The First 50 Years: Songs of Boomtown Glory,” a compilation album featuring 24 tracks on 2LP and 27 tracks on 2CD, selected by the band members themselves. The collection spans from their debut single to their latest release, “There’s No Tomorrow Like Today”.
The Boomtown Rats’ legacy is marked by their dynamic music and impactful contributions to rock history. Their 50th-anniversary highlights their lasting influence and connection with audiences old and new.
Special Guests
Irish rock icons THE STUNNING are experiencing a powerful resurgence with their first new single in 8 years, selling out multiple headline shows in Ireland, and reaching a new global audience thanks to the viral rediscovery of their classic hit Brewing Up a Storm, mainly due to its inclusion in the Netflix drama series House of Guinness. The buzz around the band has led to them signing with international booking agents ROAM Artists.
Formed in Galway in 1987 by brothers Steve and Joe Wall, The Stunning became one of Ireland’s most acclaimed and best-loved bands. From the beginning they carved out a distinctive sound – a vibrant mix of rock’n’roll energy, twangy guitars and touches of alt-country-soul-rock that resonated with audiences across the country. Their commitment to great songwriting and electrifying live performances quickly set them apart.
Their debut album, Paradise in the Picturehouse (1990), reached No. 1 in the charts at and stayed there for five weeks, followed by a second No. 1 album, Once Around the World (1992). Songs such as Everything That Rises, Romeo’s on Fire, Heads Are Gonna Roll, Half Past Two and the enduring anthem Brewing Up a Storm remain staples of Irish music culture.
After re-forming in 2003, the band resumed touring to packed venues, culminating in a landmark 30,000- capacity homecoming show in Galway’s city’s docks in 2012. Now, in 2026, The Stunning are entering one of the most dynamic periods of their career.
A new wave of international recognition arrived in 2025 when Brewing Up a Storm featured prominently in the hit Netflix series House of Guinness. Already regarded by many as an alternative Irish anthem – often used at Irish international rugby and football games – the song exploded into global consciousness. Thirty-six years after its release, it surged to No. 5 on the Shazam UK Viral Chart and reached No. 15 in its UK Top 200 as listeners around the world discovered the band for the first time.
During the early 1990’s the band performed regularly in the UK – mainly London – in venues such as The Mean Fiddler, the Powerhaus and the Finsbury Fleadh. In 1992 they opened 5 shows for Bob Dylan in the Hammersmith Palais and then embarked on a UK tour with the B52’s culminating in two shows in Glasgow’s Barrowlands – the last time they performed there. Now playing 1,000 plus capacity venues at home, the band dipped their toes in the UK for the first time in many years with just 4 intimate shows to start with, in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds and Liverpool.
Marking their first new release in eight years, the band’s single Stand Up in This Wicked World showcases The Stunning at their most urgent and emotive. Its powerful video has made waves online, shared by Paloma Faith and Game of Thrones star Liam Cunningham, reaching over one million combined followers.
The various band members are involved in many other projects. Front man Steve Wall is also evolving into a successful film and television actor with roles in the new HBO Drama series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms; Dune: Part Two; The English (with Emily Blunt – BBC); Vikings (MGM) and many more. With new music, renewed international attention and a live reputation that remains unmatched, The Stunning continue to prove that great songs and great bands never fade – they only grow louder.
Super Céilí is a highly energetic, boundary-pushing Irish musical act that transforms traditional Irish folk music into modern electronic dance anthems. Often described as a massive “rave at a crossroads,” the show seamlessly blends classic Irish reels, jigs, and polkas with iconic pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music hits from the 1990s through today.
The primary concept behind Super Céilí is the fusion of acoustic traditional instruments with digital electronic production. By layering live accordion and fiddle over synthesized beats, sub-bass, and electronic dance rhythms, they effectively created a new sub-genre: Electronic Irish Dance Music. Their live performances are less like a seated folk concert and more like a high-octane club night, complete with glow sticks, heavy bass drops, lasers, and packed dance floors.
The driving forces behind Super Céilí’s massive wall of sound include:
Peter Staunton (Accordion & Electronics): The technical mastermind of the operation, Staunton handles the accordion while simultaneously triggers the digital backing tracks, synths, and special effects.
Seán Leahy (Guitar): Provides driving acoustic rhythm and unmatched stage presence that anchors the traditional melodies into the heavy electronic grooves.
Niamh Varian-Barry (Fiddle & Vocals): The former lead singer of the acclaimed Irish-American music group Solas, Niamh frequently joins the lineup, injecting world-class fiddle playing and powerhouse vocals into the mix.
When playing larger festivals, they often perform as the Super Céilí Big Band, pulling in live drummers and horn sections to turn the electronic show into a gigantic, full-scale live spectacle.
What to Expect Live
“You will scream and you will sweat.” – Super Céilí
A typical Super Céilí set might take the crowd from a traditional Kerry polka straight into an unexpected mashup of a 90s Eurodance anthem, a modern chart-topper, or a heavy EDM drop – all without losing the driving pulse of the Irish rhythm. They are a staple of the Irish festival circuit, frequently filling late-night slots at major events like Ireland BikeFest, TradFest Dublin, and various country-wide arts and music festivals.
Fake Friends is a rising Irish indie-rock band known for their anthemic, radio-ready pop-rock sound. Evoking the massive, melodic energy of top Irish acts like The Coronas and Picture This, the group has rapidly gained momentum on the national music scene with their blend of raw driving grit and unforgettable pop hooks.
The band was born during the March 2020 lockdown when long-time musicians and real-life friends Cathal Flaherty (from Killarney, County Kerry) and Patrick Kelly (from County Carlow) began collaborating.Before the pandemic, Flaherty had already built a highly successful profile as a solo artist and Radio Kerry DJ, earning heavy national airplay with his single “A Thousand Miles” and supporting major acts like Tears for Fears, LYRA, and Mundy. Stuck at home, he and Kelly began sending musical ideas back and forth over Zoom. Once restrictions lifted, they took their digital sketches into Dublin’s Camden Recording Studios to lay down what would become their signature sound.
Fake Friends seamlessly bridges the gap between gritty indie-rock and polished, stadium-sized pop. Their music relies heavily on powerful, emotionally resonant vocals, driving guitar riffs, and soaring, sing-along choruses.To transition from a studio duo into a full-scale, electrifying live act, they expanded their lineup to include:
Cathal Flaherty (Lead Vocals)
Patrick Kelly (Guitar/Songwriting)
Darren Kelly (Electric Guitar)
Phil Dunphy (Bass)
Luke Tai (Drums)
The band’s debut single, “Maybe,” was released to critical acclaim, instantly commanding the airwaves on major stations like RTÉ Radio 1, Today FM, and FM104. They quickly followed up with a string of successful tracks.
Named one of Hot Press magazine’s “Hot for 2025” acts, they have become a staple to watch in the Irish music landscape, highlighted by high-profile live slots including supporting The Coronas at the Gleneagle INEC Arena.
Working alongside producer Larry Hogan at Dublin Studio Hub, Fake Friends continues to release new music, expanding their footprint from local radio favorites to one of Ireland’s most promising modern rock acts.
Lazember is the cinematic indie-rock project of Irish multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Paul Rodgers. Hailing from the coastal village of Burtonport in County Donegal, Rodgers crafts a massive, atmospheric sound often described as a blend of stadium-sized indie rock and raw, coastal Irish melancholy.
Before stepping into the spotlight under the moniker Lazember, Paul Rodgers spent years cutting his teeth as a highly sought-after collaborator in the Irish music scene. He toured internationally as the guitarist for the rock outfit Mojo GoGo and worked extensively as a session musician for the popular Irish indie-pop act Little Hours.
Through these roles, he built up a massive resume of festival appearances long before releasing his own music, performing at major events across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, including:
Electric Picnic
Sea Sessions
Tennent’s Vital
Other Voices
The Great Escape (UK)
With Lazember, Rodgers steps up to the microphone as a frontman for the first time. The project’s sonic signature features soaring, wide-screen guitar work, driving percussion, and deeply introspective lyrics. Critics and music blogs have drawn heavy comparisons to the anthemic, heartland-rock styles of artists like Sam Fender, The War on Drugs, Kings of Leon, and Bombay Bicycle Club.
While Rodgers is the core creative driving force, the project features a powerful collaborative lineup:
Paul Rodgers (Lead Vocals / Guitar)
Ziggy Van Wallendael (Drums / Production) – The former member of the Belgian band Felix Pallas, Van Wallendael co-produces the project’s music alongside Rodgers in County Donegal.
Niki Pollock (Bass)
Lazember has built a rapid wave of momentum through a steady stream of highly polished single releases, including breakout tracks like “Don’t Look Back,” “Finish Line,” “Here We Go Again,” and “Eyes Like a Storm.”
“First, it was Inhaler breaking out… and now it sounds like Lazember could be the next act to burst onto the international scene.” — It’s All Indie
The group has successfully translated their layered, studio-produced wall of sound into an energetic live showcase. They marked a major milestone with a packed headline show at Dublin’s legendary Whelan’s (Upstairs), alongside highly anticipated appearances at regional staples like the Balor Theatre in Donegal and Róisín Dubh in Galway, establishing Lazember as one of the most exciting new Irish alternative rock acts to watch.
Based out of Dublin, the Daft Punk Tribute is widely recognized as Europe’s leading live tribute to the legendary French electronic duo. They have successfully turned a high-concept tribute show into a massive global touring spectacle.
The act is a full-scale, immersive recreation of Daft Punk’s legendary Alive and Random Access Memories eras. Rather than simply pressing play on a backing track, the duo performs an authentic, high-octane live DJ mix that blends original Daft Punk anthems with custom live mashups and heavy electronic remixes.
Their production value is incredibly high, featuring:
Custom Replica Outfits: Exact screen-accurate leather jackets and matching attire.
State-of-the-Art LED Helmets: Custom-built, illuminated headgear replicating the iconic robot personas of Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter.
Dynamic Visuals: Pyramid-style light shows and synchronized visuals that mimic the scale of an stadium electronic festival.
While headquartered in Ireland, the duo has built a massive international footprint. They famously caught global attention after two feature appearances on the UK Channel 4 hit television show Lookalikes.
Since then, they have toured extensively across the globe, selling out major venues and club shows in Paris, Berlin (headlining the renowned Sisyphos club), Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Bucharest, Russia, and the UK (including massive corporate events at the London O2). They have also completed multi-city tours across China, playing high-profile venues like Zouk and S7.
At home in Ireland, the act has become one of the most sought-after bookings for major music festivals, massive corporate galas and high-end private events. They are regularly hired for massive experiential events by major tech hubs like Google Ireland, Meta, and Dropbox.
“A complete assault on the senses… blinded by the lights and deaf from the thumping bass, but completely worth it.” – Oxygen.ie Live Review
Ciaran Houlihan is an internationally acclaimed Irish Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) from Dublin, widely recognized as one of the world’s premier performers dedicated to preserving the legacy of Elvis Presley. He is the frontman of The Elvis Spectacular, which holds the title of Ireland and the UK’s longest-running and most successful Elvis production, touring consistently for three decades.
Houlihan’s musical journey began at age 12 when he picked up his first guitar. He went on to play drums and bass, performing with various rock bands across the Dublin area. After developing a deep passion for Elvis Presley’s music, he transitioned into performing local tribute gigs, quickly graduating to full-scale headline shows.
As the star of The Elvis Spectacular, Houlihan channels the glitz, glamour, and high-octane energy of Elvis’s legendary 1970s Las Vegas era. Rather than a solitary impersonation, the production is a massive live experience featuring:
A 9-Piece Live Band: Fronted by Houlihan, the performance is driven by a powerhouse brass section and the authentic live backing tracks of the TCB Band.
The Sweet Sensations: A vocal backing group providing the soaring harmonies crucial to recreating Presley’s iconic wall of sound.
Screen-Accurate Wardrobe: To ensure maximum authenticity, Houlihan’s elaborate jumpsuits and stage wear are designed by B&K Enterprises—the very same designers who created original stage wear for Elvis Presley.
Houlihan has earned widespread critical acclaim and has traveled across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the United States. His career is distinguished by several major achievements within the global ETA community:
World-Ranked Status: In July 2025, Houlihan achieved a massive career milestone by placing in the top tier of the Images of the King World Championships in Las Vegas, competing directly on the iconic stage where Elvis performed over 600 times.
European Titles: He is a crowned Official European Elvis Champion.
Gospel Specialization: Highly praised for his passionate delivery of Presley’s spiritual catalog, he has taken home top honours for Best Vegas and Gospel Awards, earning recognition as one of the best Elvis gospel performers worldwide.
Whether filling regional theaters like The Lark or headlining major festive events like the RDS Spiegeltent in Dublin, Houlihan’s performance remains highly celebrated for its flawless vocals, charisma, and deep respect for the King of Rock and Roll.
Proud Mary & Her City Limits Band, starring powerhouse vocalist Amanda Lane, is widely celebrated as Ireland’s premier live tribute to the legendary Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner. Known for its electrifying energy, high production values, and stunning attention to detail, the show delivers an authentic concert experience that honours Turner’s timeless legacy.
The production is a complete, show-stopping celebration of Tina Turner in her prime. Amanda Lane commands the stage by channelling Turner’s fierce spirit and unmatched stage presence, mirroring her iconic visual aesthetic down to the heels, fishnets, distinctive strut, and signature red lipstick.
Rather than relying on backing tracks, the show features a fully live, high-octane 6-piece ensemble consisting of:
Amanda Lane (Lead Vocals)
The City Limits Band: A dynamic 5-piece live backing band that perfectly replicates the soulful, driving rock grooves of Turner’s catalog.
Backup Dancers: Adding choreographed visual flair to match the unstoppable kinetic energy of a true Tina Turner concert.
The show delivers non-stop dance anthems and emotional rock ballads. Audiences are treated to live, stadium-scale renditions of Tina’s greatest hits down through the decades, including: Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Private Dancer, Steamy Windows, Nutbush City Limits and Proud Mary.
As a highly sought-after act, Proud Mary & Her City Limits Band travels extensively to all corners of Ireland.
“Proud Mary gives an electrifying performance challenging Tina’s spirit like no other… engaging every audience with an explosive, full-packed night of entertainment.”
Whether delivering massive holiday blowout parties or intimate theatre showcases, Amanda Lane and her band successfully keep the music and magic of Tina Turner alive for fans of all generations.
Legendary: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute is widely regarded as Ireland’s premier, longest-running tribute to the legendary New Jersey rock band. With over two decades of experience touring the country, the five-piece outfit has earned a reputation for delivering authentic, high-octane stadium rock energy to every stage they cross.
Legendary doesn’t just play the songs; they faithfully recreate the signature arena sound, screaming guitar solos, and five-part vocal harmonies that defined 1980s rock.
The group is composed of seasoned veterans from the Irish rock circuit. Dubliner Kevin Fox possesses the soaring vocal range, grit, and stage presence required to successfully channel Jon Bon Jovi at his absolute peak. The band are seasoned instrumentalists who flawlessly lock down Richie Sambora’s iconic talk-box guitar riffs, Tico Torres’s thunderous drum patterns, and the band’s unmistakable synth-heavy classic rock grooves.
“They play note-perfect renditions… they are not just talented performers, they are masters of illusion, shedding blood, sweat, and tears.” — The Times UK
Luke & Lainey Live is a high-octane, “double-barrel” touring tribute production celebrating two of the biggest titan forces in modern American country music: Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson.
Designed to bring the explosive energy of a packed Nashville stadium directly to theatre and music venue stages, the show features two standout tribute performers backed by a live band consisting of elite country session musicians.
As modern country music experiences a massive global resurgence, Luke & Lainey Live bridges the gap for fans who want the boot-stomping, honky-tonk atmosphere of a stadium tour in a more intimate live concert setting.
Rather than a standard acoustic tribute, the show is framed as a continuous, high-energy party. It trades off between the gritty, blue-collar anthems of Luke Combs and the fierce, “bell-bottom country” styling of multi-award-winning superstar Lainey Wilson. Audiences are encouraged to break out their cowboy boots, hats, and flannel for a session heavy on sing-alongs and crowd interaction.
The driving force of the show is the calibre of musicianship on stage. To accurately replicate the heavy electric guitars, driving percussion, and subtle banjo or steel guitar inflections that define the mainstream Nashville sound, the production relies on a top-tier live backing band.
The production splits its focus across the massive, record-breaking catalogues of both artists, seamlessly blending heartfelt country-soul ballads with rowdy, beer-raising anthems.
The show is a prominent fixture across the UK and Irish touring circuits. Luke & Lainey Live successfully captures the authentic storytelling, emotion, and foot-stomping fun of today’s modern country music scene.
Taylor NI is a premier pop tribute production in Ireland, widely celebrated as the country’s biggest live celebration of global superstar Taylor Swift. Fronted by the highly acclaimed vocalist and performer Naomi Smyth, the show has captivated tens of thousands of “Swifties” across the island, delivering stadium-sized energy to indoor venues, hotel ballrooms, and festivals.
The production is built as an all-ages experience that captures the heart, styling, and soul of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking discography. Rather than pulling from just a single era, Naomi Smyth guides the audience through stunning live renditions of Swift’s greatest hits spanning her entire catalog.
The show is highly regarded for its:
Spot-on Vocals & Choreo: Delivering the exact emotional range and physical presence of a true Swift stadium tour.
Immersive Atmosphere: High-energy, family-friendly events heavily oriented around crowd sing-alongs.
Interactive Meet & Greets: Performances frequently wrap up with dedicated photo opportunities, allowing young fans to meet “Taylor” directly after the curtain drops.
To double the pop spectacle, Taylor NI frequently tours as a co-headline package or special guest event alongside Sabrina C (also performing under the banner Sabrina NI).
Sabrina C provides a highly energetic tribute to pop starlet Sabrina Carpenter. Replicating the distinct “Short n’ Sweet” aesthetic, signature choreography, and sugary chart-topping hooks, her set sets the stage ablaze before the acts unite. This pairing creates a powerhouse “Girly Pop” festival format that has become incredibly popular on the regional touring circuit.
Highland Radio
Highland Radio is the trusted voice of the North West, connecting communities across Donegal and beyond with the news, sport and stories that matter most. As Ireland’s leading local radio station, it offers unrivalled reach, influence and audience loyalty across the region.
The Orchard Venue
The Orchard is one of Donegal’s premier food, drink and entertainment destinations, combining award-winning dining, live music and vibrant social spaces. Blending modern style with a warm local atmosphere, it has become a go-to venue for celebrations, events and memorable nights in the heart of Letterkenny.
Divers Hyundai
Divers Hyundai is one of Donegal’s leading family-run motor retailers, serving motorists across the North West for over 40 years with new and used vehicle sales, servicing and aftersales support. Built on a reputation for honesty, expertise and customer care, it has become a trusted name in motoring and the county’s long-standing Hyundai dealership.
Watson Hire
Watson Hire is the North West’s leading provider of tool, plant and equipment hire, serving trade, construction and DIY customers with a comprehensive range of products and expert support. Family-run and proudly based in Letterkenny, the business has built its reputation on reliability, value and practical solutions for projects of every size.
Guinness
Guinness is one of Ireland’s most iconic brands, renowned worldwide for its distinctive stout, rich heritage and deep connection to Irish culture and hospitality. Brewed for over 260 years, Guinness has grown from a Dublin brewery into a global symbol of quality, craftsmanship and unforgettable shared experiences.
If you visit more than a couple of times a year, this is the best pass you can get. Visit as many times as you like.