Irish Heartbeat Festival - HEY – Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
Wilhelmshaven - The Irish are known for their big hearts – a heart full of camaraderie, wit, and passion. These qualities make Ireland a country of impressive storytellers, dancers, singers, and musicians. Around St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish National Holiday, Irish culture blossoms in all its facets, especially Irish Folk. This festival of belonging and joy is celebrated worldwide and makes hearts beat faster – not just those of the Irish.
In Wilhelmshaven, on March 15, 2025: HEY – Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! At Pumpwerk, an authentic Irish experience awaits you with infectious music, typically decorated hall, and Irish drinks.
Irish Heartbeat has been bringing the pulse of the Irish music scene on tour for 36 years. Traditional and innovative elements merge into a unique sound experience. Especially around St. Patrick’s Day, one can feel the invisible ties of Irish culture connecting people worldwide. The following high-profile bands are part of the event:
CUA – Celtic Escapades
CUA is a band that cannot be put in a box. Its members – John Davidson, Shane Booth, and Ros O’Meara – bring a diverse mix of Irish and Scottish sounds, enriched with blues, bluegrass, and Americana. This unique combination arises from the masterful use of fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, and percussion. Particularly noteworthy is their three-part harmony, reminiscent of the quality of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young as well as Irish cult a cappella groups like "The Voice Squad." These harmonious voices, which come together like a perfectly mixed cocktail, create unforgettable musical moments. CUA is not only an acoustic experience but also a visual one that captivates listeners.
RÉALTA – A Bright New Star in Irish Folk
Réalta, the Gaelic word for "star," is the name of this quintet founded in 2012 in Belfast. Since then, Réalta has established itself as an exciting formation in the Irish music scene and has performed concerts worldwide. Their trademark is the two Uilleann Pipes, expertly played by Conor Lamb and Breton Loïc Bléjean. These Irish bagpipes offer an extra octave and a softer sound compared to the Scottish ones.
Singer and guitarist Deirdre Galway highlights the softer traditional songs with her lyrical voice, while Myles McCormack impresses with energetic songs and his interplay between guitar and mandolin. Bodhrán player Dermot Moynagh rounds off the ensemble with his rhythmic grooves. Réalta impressively demonstrates how to create a new, captivating sound with a manageable selection of instruments.
THE OUTCAST CREW – The Godfathers of Punky Folk
With the death of the legendary frontman of the Pogues, Shane McGowan, has authentic folk punk been buried? The answer is: No! The Outcast Crew from the Irish Midlands proves that this style is still alive and kicking. These "Working Class Heroes" bring their energetic mix of folk, rock, ska, and punk to an international stage for the first time. Their music is so hot that one might wonder whether they are attending a sauna or a concert. With pulsating rhythms from drums and electric bass, combined with captivating sounds from fiddle, accordion, and guitar, they create an unforgettable atmosphere. Frontman Brian O’Mahoney not only looks like a tough guy, but his rough voice fits perfectly with the wild and authentic style of the band. The Outcast Crew are the "Godfathers of Punky Folk" and the ideal group to ensure a spectacular finale at St. Patrick’s Day in Pumpwerk Wilhelmshaven.
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