A FEAST FOR THE EARS, AND THE BELLY. SOUNDS FROM A SAFE HARBOUR RETURNS

 SOUNDS FROM A SAFE HARBOUR RETURNS

A FEAST FOR THE EARS, AND THE BELLY

Pic: Bríd O'Donovan

Expect one-off pop-ups, secret bites, festival feasts, and a brand new SFSH Sunset Market, with the best local chefs and produce that Cork has

to offer.

11–14 September, Cork City

https://soundsfromasafeharbour.com/

Next week, Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) marks a milestone 10th edition with its most exciting programme yet. From 11–14 September 2025, the festival returns to the streets, stages, and secret corners of Cork City, bringing together world-class music, compelling conversations, film premieres, striking visual art, and - new this year - a mouthwatering food trail to match.

Curated by Festival Director Mary Hickson, alongside actor Cillian Murphy, Bryce Dessner (The National), writer Max Porter, and folklorist Billy MagFhloinn, SFSH continues to push the boundaries of what a contemporary arts festival can be, blending the epic and the intimate, the poetic and the political.

In addition to an extraordinary music line-up featuring names like Beth Orton, Ben Howard, Rhiannon Giddens, Jon Hopkins, Junior Brother, Villagers, Efterklang, DakhaBrakha, Fionn Regan, Lisa Hannigan, God Knows, Crash Ensemble, and many more, this year’s packed programme also offers a free music trail, festival zine, mural project, visual arts, conversations, and surprise pop-ups - all to be announced in the coming week.

This year’s culinary offering takes SFSH to a new level, curated by beloved food influencer Sunshine Primo, who brings his “All Killer, No Filler” ethos to the table.

“At our very first meeting, Mary looked at me and said, ‘You can do whatever you want.’ And that’s exactly what I’ve done. When I first arrived in Cork - the food capital of Ireland - the Food and Bev heads welcomed me with open arms and instantly made me feel at home. I couldn’t be more honored to shine a light on them, celebrate their work, and spread the good word one bite at a time.”

Like the festival itself, expect one-off pop-ups, tasty food companions with Beamish stout, pop-up restaurants, and even our very own SFSH Sunset Market.

Thursday kicks off with Tongue Tied popping up in O’Sho before and after the Opening Ritual at Elizabeth Fort..

Friday brings the SFSH Sunset Market on the Coal Quay with a curated mix of food carts, merch, and craft booths—plus Friday Fizz all weekend long and secret cocktail specials in restaurants you’re about to fall in love with.

Saturday is packed, here’s a sample: Victor from Nua Asador will BBQ sandwiches at MacCurtain Wine Cellar, while Tiger Balm Club x Brian’s Wines pop up to bring their own flavor to the mix.

Sunday turns up the heat: Epi Rogan takes over the kitchen at MacCurtain Wine Cellar, Brian Murray and Darren bring Birdsong to Coughlan’s to cook over fire, and Saint Francis Provisions x L’Atitude 51 team up at Bakestone.

And that’s not all—think Beamish pie pop-ups on the way to a secret gig. Oysters, stout, sounds and rings. Banh mi, Thai sausage, natural wine and records? Secret gigs with secret bites?

For the wine lovers, Brian’s Wines will be available from Plugd Records all weekend long, and for the beer drinkers there will be creamy beamies everywhere!

Yes, please.

Keep your eyes peeled, the SFSH team will be dropping the food map and even more info soon.

Sign up to the mailing list, or explore the festival programme at soundsfromasafeharbour.com. Final announcements on the free music trail, festival zine,mural projects, conversations, and surprise pop-ups to follow soon.