Live Report: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds steal the show at All Together Now 2022

August 2019 feels like a lifetime ago. For a festival still in its infancy, waiting 156 weeks to deliver its third instalment must have felt like an eternity. So, was All Together Now 2022 worth the wait? The short answer is, yes.

Having first attended the festival in 2019, I was keen to return to the idyllic site of Curraghmore House. For me, it's the perfect size festival with an eclectic line up that has something for everyone. Unlike many others, I did not suffer from any of the travel woes faced in 2019, so I had no hesitancy in making the trip back to Waterford for the August Bank Holiday weekend.

This year's line-up featured some of Ireland's finest talent, including Pillow Queens, The Murder Capital and Denise Chaila. Dublin's Gemma Dunleavy took to the main stage on Friday night with a spirited performance, blowing away the ecstatic crowd with her powerful vocals. Londoners Jungle topped Friday night's bill, kicking off the party for the three day festival.

Jungle at All Together Now 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

David O'Doherty kept everyone in high spirits at his hilarious Saturday afternoon performance on the Belonging Bandstand, while Limerick's Pow Pig and Sinead O'Brien delivered stellar sets at the Road to Nowhere tent. As the saying goes, "there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes," so once you had some decent waterproofs for the rain, there were plenty of different stages and Irish acts to enjoy throughout day two.

As the rain poured down, Dundalk favourites The Mary Wallopers brought a lively crowd of devotees to the Something Kind of Wonderful stage. Over at the Belonging Bandstand, Singalong Social brought pure unbridled joy to their soaked fans, with their self-described "singing parties for people who can't sing." Featuring karaoke style performances of songs like 'Watermelon Sugar' by Harry Styles and Eminem's hit 'Lose Yourself,' Sing Along Social epitomised the group fun to be had at Irish music festivals.

Pillow Queens at All Together Now 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

With his sophomore album out this September, Junior Brother performed to a packed out audience at the Global Roots stage. But it was a seasoned international act that stole the show at this year's festival. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds delivered an electrifying two hour set on the main stage on Saturday night. His energy was palpable and emotion visible as he treated us to a moving performance of 'Into My Arms'.

Who better to dust the Sunday morning cobwebs off with than Blindboy Boatclub. Joined in conversation by Jess Kavanagh, who filled in for Denise Chaila, the pair spoke about the creative process and Kavanagh's journey as an artist. The combination of sunshine and Toshín x Aretha Franklin was the perfect way to ease into the final day of the festival. Over at the Jameson J Circle stage, distinguished drummer Dermot Sheedy hosted an interactive bodhrán workshop.

Nick Cave at All Together Now 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Hot Press cover star CMAT took to the sun-drenched main stage in the early evening. She spoke passionately about her connection to Trans people and her upset at the festival's inclusion of Rachel Moran and Stella O’Malley, who have been widely criticised for their controversial views. CMAT displayed a huge Trans Pride flag as her backdrop throughout her wonderful performance. She shone on the main stage, winning over the packed out audience with her charm, humour and talent. Delivering the best Irish performance of the weekend, CMAT will no doubt be heading festivals in the years to come.

All Together Now 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Over at the Road To Nowhere stage, Christian Löffler packed out the tent and its surroundings with his own brand of electronica that combines melancholy with euphoria. Sunday night headliners King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard kept spirits high with a relentless set and as they performed their special blend of psych-rock to an impressively sized Sunday night crowd.

Festival veterans Underworld closed the main stage for 2022 bringing a brilliant weekend of live music, spoken word and comedy to a close. Roll on ATN 2023.