Following her spectacular GIAF concert earlier this year, Sophie Ellis-Bextor returns to the stage of the Heineken® Big Top on Wednesday 22 July 2026, joined by Kate Nash as special guest!
Tickets on sale this at 10am Friday 5 Dec from giaf.ie / roisindubh.net
With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has delivered five Top 10 albums and eight Top 10 singles. Her catalogue of hits includes the iconic Murder on the Dancefloor, Take Me Home, Get Over You and Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer). Her recent single, the disco-pop anthem Freedom of the Night, saw her confidently return to her signature glittering sound.
After its unforgettable appearance in the final scene of Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn, Sophie’s 2001 smash hit Murder on the Dancefloor experienced a huge resurgence, re-charting in both the UK and the US and surpassing 11 billion global streams across all platforms.
Sophie released her eighth studio album, Perimenopop, in September this year - her sixth Top 10 record. Inspired by her much-loved Instagram Kitchen Disco parties, she also released Songs from the Kitchen Disco and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Kitchen Disco: Live from the London Palladium.
Renowned for her electric, joyful and irresistibly fun live shows, Sophie’s performances have become the stuff of legend. Packed with energy, glitter, dancing and pure pop delight, her concerts are widely regarded as unforgettable nights out.
In a recent interview, Sophie Ellis-Bextor stated: “I had such an incredible time performing in Galway at the Festival earlier this year. The crowd was amazing - so warm, so full of energy. I’m excited to bring the disco back to the Big Top next summer!”
Joining Sophie is the brilliant Kate Nash, who launched her career in 2005 and quickly rose to prominence when her breakthrough single Foundations became a major hit. Her debut album Made of Bricks debuted at No. 1 in the UK charts and earned international acclaim, followed by her win for Best British Female Artist at
the 2008 Brit Awards.
Kate has since released a series of acclaimed albums, including My Best Friend Is You, Girl Talk and Yesterday Was Forever. Her most recent album, 9 Sad Symphonies, was released earlier this year.
Celebrated for her charismatic and high-energy performances, Kate Nash brings her own vibrant, infectious stage presence, making her the perfect addition to this exhilarating gig.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, with special guest Kate Nash, perform at the Heineken® Big Top on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
Tickets €54.35 (incl. booking fee) go on sale at 10AM Friday, December 5 2026 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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