Nearly 40 years after his death, Luke Kelly is set to be celebrated with a major festival – taking place around Smithfield Square in Dublin this August 13.

Presented by Dublin City Council, the free, one-day festival will run from 12pm through to 6pm, and will feature performances, discussions and family-friendly fun, all paying tribute to the Irish music icon.

“When you mention Dublin and music in the same sentence, Luke Kelly is one of the first names that springs to mind,” says the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste. “He is a legend in this city and beyond. So I am absolutely delighted that we are honouring him in this way, by holding a festival dedicated to both himself and his music. There’s only one Luke Kelly!”

Put together by singer and event curator MacDara Yeates and well-known promoter Leagues O'Toole – in liaison with Luke Kelly's niece, Paula McCann – the festival will include live music from Damien Dempsey and former member of The Dubliners, Seán Cannon.

Damien Dempsey. October 2021. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

You can also look forward to surprise guest appearances from other singers and musicians – all performing a selection of Luke Kelly classics.

The discussion tent, meanwhile, will play host to English folk music legend Martin Carthy, who will be reflecting on the UK folk scene of the early '60s, where Luke plied his trade. Biographer Des Geraghty will also be on hand to discuss Luke's life and legacy, followed by more live interviews.

In addition to interactive arts and crafts activities, the festival will also be celebrating Luke's love of football, with an FAI-hosted football activity taking place throughout the day.

For more, see dublin.ie/lukekelly

We're delighted to announce that one of Dublin's favourite sons is getting a festival in his honour! The Dublin City Council Luke Kelly Festival takes place in Smithfield on August 13. Here's @LordMayorDublin belting out one of his favourites at today's launch pic.twitter.com/Gu0Jeeg1hc

— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) July 13, 2023