Cliffords and Kingfishr among most booked acts in Europe according to European Talent Exchange

The European Talent Exchange results for 2025 have been released, with Cork alternative rockers Cliffords and Limerick-based folk-pop trio Kingfishr among Europe's most booked acts.

This year's findings reflect a strong year for English artists, with six bands in the top ten coming from England.

Liverpool indie artist Luvcat topped the list with eleven bookings, with Cliffords following closely behind in second place with nine. Kingfishr are ranked in fifth with eight bookings.

The rest of the list reflects a diverse group of acts, with representatives from Sweden, Ukraine, Slovakia, Portugal, Spain, Netherlands and Belgium all in the top 20.

The programme was established as ETEP in 2003 to overcome the significant challenges faced by the European pop music industry in international promotion and distribution.

Now known as European Talent Exchange, the project has facilitated, supported and promoted the global circulation of creative European musical talent.

Each year the group hosts a non-profit showcase festival for European artists, and a conference with panels, keynotes, interviews, and gatherings on the latest developments in the international and European music industry.

A number of leading Irish acts have played at the showcase before going on to achieve substantial success, including Fontaines D.C., Villagers and Lisa O'Neill.

Alongside Cliffords and Kingfishr, 2025's European Talent Exchange Irish contingent comprised a genre-diverse mix of acts such as Ellie O'Neill, Muireann Bradley, Qbanna, Annie-Dog, Cardinals, Cruel Sister, Niamh Bury and Search Results.

European Talent Exchange 2026 will take place in Groningen from 14-16 January. For more information, including tickets, click this link.