Call for Leitrim musicians: be part of cross-border Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 festival

After years of success with the much-loved live street session in Manorhamilton, a powerful new chapter is about to begin. Leitrim County Council, in collaboration with the Glens Arts Centre and Fermanagh’s Share Arts Centre, is calling on young musicians to step into the spotlight as part of a cross-border musical celebration for Cruinniú na nÓg 2025.

Since its launch in 2018, the street session has become a vital platform for emerging talent—offering young musicians the chance to perform live gigs with full professional staging, technical support, and the kind of atmosphere that ignites creative fire. Even during lockdown, the event didn’t miss a beat. In 2020, father-son duo Rossa and Tarach Ó Snodaigh led a dynamic project that saw Glen Hansard of the Frames mentor young participants, culminating in a powerful live-streamed performance that showcased the resilience and talent of the next generation.  

Now, for the first time, the festival is going cross-border—uniting young performers from both Leitrim and Fermanagh in a unique cultural exchange made possible through the Shared Island initiative. With funding secured to support this ambitious expansion, the Glens Arts Centre and Share Arts Centre are teaming up to host a vibrant weekend of performances, rehearsals, and mentorship. The goal? To give young artists from both counties fresh opportunities to grow their craft, collaborate across borders, and celebrate the power of music to connect communities.

Acts selected for the project will take part in a full rehearsal and mentoring programme led by music industry professionals throughout the month of May. A total of six intensive workshop days will take place in both Leitrim and Fermanagh—on May 3–4, May 17–18, and May 31–June 1—giving performers the tools to refine their sound, build confidence, and bond with fellow musicians. Cross-county collaboration is encouraged, and performers can attend workshops in either location, meaning bands can feature members from both sides of the border.

To kick things off, all selected acts will be invited to an early meet-up designed to break the ice, build connections, and spark ideas. Then, as the main event approaches, all eyes will turn to June 6th and 7th—the official Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 weekend—when the young musicians will take to the stage for two unforgettable live gigs at the Glens Arts Centre and the Share Arts Centre. Each act will perform a 20-minute set, joined by special guest performers. Transportation for all participants will be arranged by the project manager, ensuring no barriers to taking part.

Every performer will also feature in a professionally edited sound recording and event video, receiving a personal copy as a lasting memento of their experience.

So, if you're a young singer, songwriter, or part of a band from Leitrim or Fermanagh, this is your moment. Whether you're just starting out or already making waves locally, Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 offers an incredible chance to learn, perform, and be part of something bigger.

To apply, simply register your interest by emailing the team via the link below. Don’t wait—this could be the stage that launches your next big step.