The Boyne Music Festival returns this summer with a dynamic programme of chamber music, song, jazz, workshops and tours in some of the Boyne Valley’s most stunning historic locations. This year’s motto Where We Meet is an invitation to acknowledge the beauty in gathering, returning, and reflecting on what we have in common.
Founded in 2013 by twin sisters Aisling and Julie-Anne Manning, alongside their cousin Deirdre Brenner, the festival has grown into a beloved annual event, known for its unique blend of world-class performances and intimate settings. This year’s lineup continues that tradition, offering audiences a weekend filled with exceptional artistry, immersive experiences, and an appealingly diverse programme of music.
The opening night (24 July) kicks off at the historic Slane Castle, where the festival welcomes guests to a dinner in the Gandon Room and a chamber music concert featuring exciting works for voice and strings by Felix Mendelssohn, Rebecca Clarke and Nico Muhly.
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The following night (25 July), Friends of the BMF will gather at Boann Distillery for an opportunity to meet the artists, discuss the upcoming concerts, and enjoy locally produced whiskeys and gins. Later that evening, the festival hosts Impressions, a programme featuring an intoxicating mix of classical and jazz influences, with music by Maurice Ravel and performances by jazz vocalist Brigitte Beraha & jazz pianist Barry Green.
The Boyne Music Festival continues to inspire young minds with a day dedicated to children and families at Townley Hall on 26 July. The morning programme offers an interactive Children’s Workshop, inviting children to act, sing, compose, and explore their creativity. Later in the afternoon, families can enjoy an action-packed performance of The Chimpanzees of Happy Town, featuring live narration, visuals from the beloved book, and a vibrant musical score by Paul Rissmann. The event will also showcase a special performance by the workshop participants, bringing their creative efforts to life. 
In the evening, the Boyne Music Festival invites guests to the library of Townley Hall to hear Irish poet Jenny Hogan read from her new collection, CARE, alongside performances by this year’s BMF Young Artists. This will be followed by an inspiring evening of chamber music, featuring works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Libby Croad and John Musto. The programme blends lyrical song, expressive string writing, and folk-inspired melodies, culminating in Antonin Dvořák’s beloved Piano Quintet No. 2.
The final day of the festival (27 July) invites the public to meet in Townley Hall for a day of workshops. There will be a poetry writing workshop for adults as well as a performance workshop for amateur string players, who will have the opportunity to play alongside BMF musicians in a professionally guided session. In addition to this, the festival will offer a fascinating architectural tour of Townley Hall, led by Brendan Kiernan. Throughout the weekend, coffee, tea, wine, sandwiches and cakes will be available at the Hall.
Weekend passes are available, with individual ticket prices ranging from €6-€25. The Boyne Music Festival team looks forward to warmly welcoming audiences old and new for a memorable weekend of music, poetry, and community.
For more information and to book tickets, visit boynemusicfestival.com and follow us on social media (@boynemusicfestival) for updates.
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