Beyond The Pale Is Set To Go Ahead Next Weekend

Beyond The Pale festival is definitely happening next weekend. That was the word from the organisers tonight, after a day of intense speculation about the future of the event.

Rumours that the festival would not be proceeding were published this morning, along with suggestions that the infrastructure for the festival at its site in Glendalough, Co, Wicklow was being dismantled by suppliers. That report proved to be premature. During the day, negotiations were proceeding. A spokesperson for the festival informed media that reports suggesting that the festival would be going ahead. But the statement was far from definitive.

Later in the day – as midnight approached – the festival organisers issued a dramatic statement via X, under the headline: "The rumours of our demise have been greatly exaggerated.

"We are absolutely ON next week and raring to go," they insisted.

That declaration was followed by just a little bit more detail.

"Look, it's unbelievably tough out there for independent festivals, venues, promoters, artists...we all know that," the statement said. "Today we very nearly stumbled, ngl. But the festival gods smiled upon us, and the fate of Beyond the Pale is secure for 2025, and for many years to come.

"Thanks for bearing with us today," they added, "thanks for all the messages and gestures of support... and see you at Glendalough next week!"

And there was one more detail.

"The forecast is hot and sunny!"

Headliners for this year's festival are Jon Hopkins (Friday, 13 June), Roisin Murphy (Saturday, 14 June) and TV On The Radio and Marc Rebillet (Sunday, 15 June). Other featured artists include Ezra Collective, Berlioz, Soda Blonde, King King Company, Death In Vegas, Boney M, Susan O'Neill, Samantha Mumba, Badbadnotgood, Houseplants, Broken Social Scene, Callum Agnew, Mano Le Tough – and loads more besides.

Beyond The Pale was the winner of the Best Small Festival at the IMRO Awards last year.

"Join expert festival goers and music lovers on beautiful, ancient land for an outstanding line-up rooted in art, technology and joy," they proclaim on their website, promising, "A heady and hearty mix of the biggest, most popular and most enduring acts for music lovers of all kinds."

Tickets are still available on the festival website. UPDATE: An email has been sent at 1.13pm on Sunday, once again confirming that it's all systems go for next weekend!