Galway International Arts Festival and Róisín Dubh are delighted to announce that Grammy Award–winning Irish musician Cian Ducrot will headline the Heineken® Big Top on Sunday 26 July 2026 as part of Galway International Arts Festival!
Tickets are on sale now!
One of Ireland’s most compelling contemporary artists, Cian Ducrot has enjoyed a meteoric rise, driven by undeniable talent, emotional honesty and relentless determination. A breakout star of recent years, Ducrot has amassed hundreds of millions of streams, scored multiple Top 20 singles, and achieved a No. 1 debut album in both Ireland and the UK with Victory.
In 2025, his extraordinary ascent was crowned with his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Song, awarded for his co-writing work on SZA’s global hit Saturn.
Renowned for his powerful voice and deeply personal songwriting, Ducrot first captured global attention with the chart-topping singles All For You and I’ll Be Waiting, songs that showcased his gift for emotionally resonant storytelling. His eagerly anticipated second album, Little Dreaming, released in late 2025, marks a confident artistic evolution, drawing inspiration from the theatrical grandeur of 1970s and 1980s pop, with nods to icons such as Elton John, Michael Jackson and Queen.
The album balances heartfelt ballads with bold, stadium-ready anthems, including Who’s Making You Feel It and the exuberant title track Little Dreaming, showcasing Ducrot at his most expressive and expansive.
Ducrot’s journey from independent songwriter to international star has resonated deeply with fans, thanks to his warm, charismatic connection with audiences. Renowned for his joyous and uplifting live performances, his Galway appearance will blend intimate, emotionally charged moments with exuberant, feel-good anthems and soaring communal singalongs, promising a truly memorable night celebrating one of Ireland’s most exciting musical talents at the height of his powers.
Acts already announced for the Heineken® Big Top at Galway International Arts Festival 2026 include James; The Saw Doctors; Emeli Sandé and James Morrison; Block Rockin Beats; BELL X1; Sophie Ellis-Bextor with special guest Kate Nash; The Flaming Lips with special guests Mercury Rev and the Patti Smith Quartet.
Tickets €59.85 (incl. booking fee) are on sale now at giaf.ie / roisindubh.net
For nearly half a century, Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) has helped shape Ireland’s cultural landscape- presenting a world-class annual festival that unites Irish and international artists across a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme; commissioning, producing and touring new work; and championing leading ideas through its First Thought series, while increasingly embedding inclusivity and sustainability across its programmes.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, GIAF will build on its legacy in Galway to enhance Ireland’s reputation for creativity, innovation and international connection. GIAF 2026 will take place from 13–26 July
Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding agencies The Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken®; and its Education Partner University of Galway.
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