MUSIC lovers can look forward to more live gigs at Skibbereen Town Hall after The Listening Project announced its fresh programme for spring and summer.

After a successful series of concerts last year, the town centre venue will once again welcome boundary-pushing live acts to the stage from end of April.

This year’s line-up blends traditional influences with experimental sounds and the organisers promise another round of diverse, boundary-pushing acts from the Irish music scene.

‘Coming back to the Town Hall in 2026 is about putting music back where it belongs: in the middle of the town,’ said co-organiser Brian Granaghan. ‘This year’s lineup really leans into that.’

Victoria Adiiye and Macdara Ó Faoláin kick off the season on April 25th.  Ó Faoláin is a TG4 Young Musician of the Year and will put on A Masterclass in Strings with his mesmerising bouzouki playing. He is joined by Victoria Adiiye who creates a captivating sound by fusing her Ugandan musical roots with classical guitar. Adding to the evening are folk singers Bridget and Kitty, originally from Southeast London, who sing unaccompanied and in close harmony.

On May 16th, the tone shifts to a lively indie-pop gig with Laurie Shaw & The Whopper Swans. Renowned for his prolific output and sharp songwriting, Shaw has become a staple of the lrish music scene. Sharing the stage is Phil Langero who performs in his own style of banjotronics.

Rounding off the early summer series on June 27th is an immersive evening with Natalia Beylis, a Leitrim-based sound artist. Beylis specialises in atmospheric, immersive sets, often using field recordings and keyboards to turn a space into a completely different world. Joining her is composer and multi-instrumentalist Phil Christie, known for his work with O Emperor and The Bonk.

‘It’s a massive range, but it all works because the room demands that you stop and pay attention,’ said co-organiser Robin Foley. ‘It’s about showing that Skibbereen is the kind of place where ‘modern trad’ and avantgarde field recordings can live side-by-side, a true celebration of Ireland’s eclectic musical landscape.’

For more information and tickets visit www.thelisteningproject.ie