Stendhal Festival: More Than Danny Boy & What to Expect

In the valley that saw the song ‘Danny Boy’ conceived, one of Ireland’s most celebrated music festivals is back this summer – Stendhal. A lineup of events that has boasted international stars to local legends, it never disappoints. The toast of Irish festivals, it specialises in showcasing new talent as well as fantastic local music, giving plenty of opportunity to update your Spotify playlists. On the outskirts of humble Limavady, Ballymully Cottage Farm sits in the shadow of Binevenagh mountain. This stunning backdrop is where the Stendhal Festival is held annually in the heart of the North Coast. 

An actual festival of the arts, it has an assorted and abounding programme that strives to highlight the creative talent found on the island of Ireland and further afield. With a lineup this year that varies from local to international performances, including multiple comedy events from around the globe, the Stendal Music Festival is an unmissable event. 

After being established in 2011, Stendhal has become a must-see venue after housing acts such as Frightened Rabbit, The Undertones and Donovan, to name a few. Having won Best Small Festival at the Irish Festival Awards from 2013 to 2015, it already boasts a host of awards and continues to blossom. With performances in traditional artistic fields such as music, comedy, poetry, dance, and theatre, the Stendhal Festival also displays acts from street performance, craft, and sculpture and an entire family programme to entertain future creatives.

‘Red Alert’: Basement Jaxx at Stendhal Festival

This year’s headline act is none other than Basement Jaxx. They are an exciting addition to the Stendhal lineup, mainly due to their calibre. Having played venues such as Hyde Park in London and The Hollywood Bowl and having headlined Glastonbury twice – the irrefutable King of British festivals – Stendhal seems a more humble locale. Basement Jaxx is composed of Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton.

Having met at a Thames riverboat party that Buxton organised, the two began collaborating as producers and party promoters in the underground scene in South London. After Virgin Records distributed their single ‘Samba Magic’ in 1995, they were courted by all the major record labels of the day, ultimately signing with independent XL Recordings, which was also home to the Prodigy then.

Basement Jaxx released their critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Remedy’ in 1999 with XL. With an impressive back catalogue of work, their collection ‘The Singles’ went double platinum in the UK, and they had album sales that boast over 3 million. As double BRIT award winners, as well as having been awarded a Grammy for their third album, ‘Kish Kash’, Basement Jaxx’s DJ set will be a showstopper at Stendhal this year. 

Breaking Down Barriers: ‘Borders’ at Stendhal

From one end of the city to the other, Londonderry/Derry musical legends Ryan Vail and Eoin O’Callaghan, aka Elma Orkestra, will be performing their joint project at this year’s Stendhal ‘Borders’.

The eight-track project blends ambient electronic music using old analogue equipment. It was inspired by the recent discussions surrounding the North and South of Ireland and the possibilities of a hard border. The visuals show gasping landscapes taken via drones that thoroughly explore the idea of the land and the issue of having borders, particularly ones that would divide their concept of home.

The album also features Moya Brennan singing their song ‘Colours’ in Irish and English. A striking, thought-provoking project with compelling songs and stunning visuals, this event will not be missed at this year’s Stendhal Festival. 

Derry Girls: Not Just For Television

Stendhal Festival has long supported the local music scene in Northern Ireland, and this year’s lineup is no exception.

Another headline act this year is a Derry girl, SOAK. Bridie Monds-Watson, via her moniker SOAK, has released two celebrated albums at 22. After uploading acoustic music onto online platforms, she was soon discovered and flying to meetings with publishers at 16.

This led to EP releases from 2012 to 2014, culminating in her debut album 2015, ‘Before We Forgot How To Dream’, which saw her nominated for the UK’s Mercury Prize. This year’s Stendhal Festival will see SOAK perform her lauded album, ‘Grim Town,’ an ethereal, synth-pop experience almost like a cinematic vignette. This is a must-see event and a perfect addition to the Stendhal lineup. 

A Barrel of Laughs: Comedy at Stendhal

While music is, of course, the major draw to Stendhal Festival, it is a proud supporter of the wider arts. Phill Jupitas will be headlining their comedy bill at this year’s festival.

He began his career with the ranting poetry scene before getting the opportunity to work with The Housemartins and Billy Bragg with their record label Go! Discs. This allowed him to continue doing his standup before becoming a national treasure as a team captain on the illustrious BBC show ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’.

Jupitus is renowned for being easy-going and down-to-earth, but that doesn’t mean his shows are lacking. His incredible improvising ability makes every performance unique, making this event one of the most exciting parts of the Stendhal Festival’s lineups. 

The Spoken Word: Poetry at Stendhal

Local music isn’t the only homegrown feature at this year’s Stendhal Music Festival. Local poet Michael Wilson will be performing at the festival this year. Top of the poetry bill, he is a lovely accompaniment to the lineup. Deeply influenced by his own experiences of mental health, Wilson voluntarily sectioned himself at Holywell Hospital. As part of his recovery, a nurse recommended that he write down his experiences as it was therapeutic. Having enjoyed writing in his younger years, Wilson decided to write and has penned some heartrending and inspirational work that has touched many globally.

Describing his discussion topics as sex, drugs, and rock n’ dole, Wilson is an award-winning poet who, as well as winning multiple slams, has had a one-person show go for an entire run at the Edinburgh Fringe Fest that achieved a 5-star review. At times, performing with BSL, Wilson strives to create safe spaces and accessibility in his work. A performance that cannot be missed at Stendhal Festival 2019. 

This year’s Stendhal Festival is filled with an exciting plethora of international and local acts. It will be held from August 15th to 17th. To buy tickets, visit the Stendhal Festival Website.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

One of the most appealing aspects of the Stendhal Festival is its commitment to being a family-friendly event. While many music festivals are geared towards adult audiences, Stendhal has created an inclusive environment where people of all ages can enjoy the festivities. The festival offers a dedicated Family Programme, including arts and crafts, storytelling, circus skills workshops, and even treasure hunts.

The festival’s children’s theatre is a particular highlight for parents looking to introduce their children to the magic of live performance. These shows are designed to engage young audiences, spark their imaginations, and foster a love for the arts from an early age.

There’s also plenty of room for little ones to run around and explore the festival grounds, with kid-friendly zones to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Sustainability at Stendhal

The Stendhal Festival has made a concerted effort to prioritise sustainability and minimise its environmental impact in recent years. From banning single-use plastics to promoting recycling and composting, the festival has taken several steps to ensure that it operates in an eco-friendly manner.

Local food vendors are encouraged to use biodegradable packaging, and many of the festival’s art installations are made from recycled materials. In addition, the festival collaborates with local environmental organisations to raise awareness about sustainability and encourage festivalgoers to take small steps towards reducing their ecological footprint.

This focus on sustainability aligns with Stendhal’s mission to celebrate nature and creativity in harmony, making the festival not just an artistic experience but also an ethical one.

Building a Sense of Community

At its core, Stendhal Festival is about more than just music and art; it’s about building a sense of community. The festival’s organisers are deeply committed to supporting the local area, and they work closely with nearby businesses, artists, and musicians to ensure that the event benefits everyone involved.

The festival also strongly emphasizes volunteerism. Each year, a team of dedicated volunteers helps bring the festival to life, assisting with everything from set-up and tear-down to stage management and ticketing. This spirit of collaboration extends to the festivalgoers, who often form lasting friendships at Stendhal.

In many ways, the festival celebrates Northern Ireland itself—its landscape, people, and culture. By bringing together people from all walks of life to enjoy music, art, and performance in a beautiful rural setting, Stendhal fosters a sense of belonging and connection long after the festival has ended.

Conclusion

The Stendhal Festival is much more than a music festival; it’s a celebration of creativity in all forms, set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Irish countryside. From its humble beginnings to its current status as one of Northern Ireland’s most beloved cultural events, Stendhal has stayed true to its vision of bringing people together through art, music, and community.

For anyone seeking an authentic Northern Irish experience beyond the usual tourist attractions, the Stendhal Festival offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, artistry and community. It’s more than Danny Boy—it’s the beating heart of modern Northern Irish culture, waiting to be explored.

Have you ever visited the Stendhal Festival? Let us know your experience in the comments below.

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