Body & Soul Festival not taking place this year

Body & Soul Festival not taking place this year

Body & Soul, one of Ireland’s longest-running independent festivals, held at Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon, will not take place this year, it has been has announced.

A statement by festival organisers said it was “hitting pause” on this year’s festival to allow it time to “think and dream bigger”.

In 2002, Body & Soul had halved its numbers after the Covid-19 pandemic and doubled its curatorial commitment, selling just 5,500 weekend tickets for a smaller but successful three-day event for which Róisín Murphy was among the headliners.

Last year’s festival major acts Alison Goldfrapp, Moderat, Denise Chaila performed at the festival.

Body & Soul was founded by Avril Stanley after seeing how other cultures celebrate their own unique customs and traditions.

WE STOP TO DREAM - Body & Soul Statement

“When we started Body & Soul, it grew from a place of curiosity, exploration, and a myriad of worldly influences. After twenty years at the forefront of festival culture, we couldn’t be more proud of all we’ve achieved and of the beautiful community we’ve created around us.

“But we now find ourselves in a different time – the world has changed, and it’s time for us to evolve further. This means hitting pause on this year’s Body & Soul festival to give ourselves the space to dream and think bigger.

“What we know is that we’re on the cusp of something great, something bold and new, which we can’t wait to share with you all when it’s ready.

“So outwardly we go quiet for a short time, but behind the scenes, we’ll be busy reinventing ourselves, preparing to re-emerge in our new form.”

Ever Yours

Body & Soul