Inside the Hot Press Annual 2026: Kingfishr grace the cover of our essential round-up of the year's music, movies, books and more

Capping off another inspiring 12 months for music, sport, film, comedy, literature and activism – both at home and around the world – we're thrilled to bring you the brand new Hot Press Annual, featuring cover stars Kingfishr!

Kingfishr are, without question, the story of 2025 – rewriting the pecking order as ‘Killeagh’ outperformed all other contenders, becoming the most streamed song in Ireland this year. They sit down with Will Russell, and try to make sense of the past 12 months...

Kingfishr. Credit: Rebecca Aston

The HP critics deliver their verdict on 2025 – including the albums, tracks, movies, books, games, quotes, photos, events and political happenings of the year...

As she returns with her new EP, The Closest We'll Get, Nell Mescal talks to Lucy O'Toole about working with Adrianne Lenker's close collaborator Philip Weinrobe, pulling angel cards, and the best up-and-coming Irish artists.

Having established herself as one of the most captivating live acts in Ireland over the past year, following the release of her multi-award-winning MO LÉAN EP, RÓIS discusses inspirations, fresh perspectives, and reclaiming the “raucous” side of the tradition.

RÓIS

Following another vital, albeit challenging, 12 months for ACLAÍ Palestine – a community gym in the West Bank – founder Ainle Ó Cairealláin discusses the importance of forging connections between Ireland and Palestine, and plans for a new music academy in the Aida refugee camp, in collaboration with KNEECAP.

After a rapturous, sold-out 3Olympia date, Yusuf / Cat Stevens took some time to chat about his extraordinary life and career with Riccardo Dwyer.

Yusuf / Cat Stevens

Ahead of his massive 3Arena shows, superstar DJ Ewan McVicar discusses the importance of keeping clubs alive, and how he ended up DJing for a World Cup-bound Scotland team.

In a special tribute to Mani, we revisit the late bass legend's 2007 appearance at the Hot Press Chat Room at Electric Picnic – where topics included The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, Johnny Marr, Peter Hook and Mani's Kildare roots.

Aisling Bea, Ardal O'Hanlon, BP Fallon, Aoife Dunne, David McCullagh and more share their highlights of 2025...

Aisling Bea. Photo: Charlie Clift

We've also got you covered on the film and TV front:

Hailing from one of the most storied families in showbusiness, Oona Chaplin discusses her role in blockbuster sci-fi sequel, Avatar: Fire And Ash.

Director Chloe Zhao and star Jessie Buckley tell us about the hugely awaited adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel Hamnet, a fictionalised account of Shakespeare's marriage that's already enjoying huge Oscar buzz.

Hamnet.

Stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson discuss their new movie Song Sung Blue, which celebrates the extraordinary music of Neil Diamond.

Stuart Clark meets Nathan Braniff, star of Belfast police drama Blue Lights, which scooped this year's Bafta for Best Drama, as well as wowing audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Witcher star Rebecca Hanssen chats about the epic scale of the series, her Hollywood royalty co-stars and living up to fans' expectations.

You can look forward to an exciting array of author interviews too:

David Szalay talks to Paul Nolan about his Booker-winning novel Flesh, as well writing about sex and violence, Joyce, Bret Easton Ellis, Martin Amis and avoiding the culture wars.

David Szalay. Credit: David Parry for Booker Prize Foundation

Activist and author Leon Diop discusses his powerful new memoir Mixed Up, which explores themes of racism, growth and self-acceptance.

Journalist and author Miranda Sawyer talks about her collaboration with Blur's Dave Rowntree on the photo book No One You Know, and also shares her thoughts on pop feuds, Stormzy, Lily Allen and Lorde.

That will give you some idea of what to expect in this seriously action-packed Annual – which is en route to shops now, and available to pre-order below: