Preview for #LIF2026 and the fun that follows over the next 10 days. Hosted by the Conulate of Ireland at the Liverpool Irish Centre.

The Festival begins here.

Join us at Liverpool Irish Centre — the spiritual home of the Irish community in the city — to toast the start of Liverpool Irish Festival 2026. This is an evening for old friends and new faces, for community and conversation, and for raising a glass to everything the Festival stands for. Book ahead to claim your free arrival drink.

This year's launch is centred on the theme I Am Here and there are few better embodiments of that spirit than our guest musician, Enda McCabe. A Dubliner by birth — who spent 24 years in England before returning to Ireland — Enda is back on the road after receiving a kidney transplant in October 2021, following almost seven years on dialysis. His return to performing is, in itself, a statement of presence; of life claimed back, of music that refused to be silenced. (Links: Dreamers, FolkFolkinoxford)

His show combines songs, music and stories — most based on personal experience — delivered with warmth and craft that have won him audiences across Ireland, Britain, Europe and the United States. On the night, Enda will weave music with reflections on his transplant journey: a story of resilience, compassion and the gift of being here at all.

Guests will also hear from Festival organisers, sponsors and partners. This event is supported and hosted by the Consulate of Ireland who will be present and to whom we offer our thanks.

Description supplied by the event organiser.