Nominations now open for IMRO Live Music Awards 2026

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has confirmed that the IMRO Live Music Awards are set to return for 2026 – with nominations now open.

First established in 2009 to honour Ireland’s vibrant live music sector, the IMRO Live Music Awards continue to recognise and celebrate the venues, festivals and behind-the-scenes teams whose work makes live music possible, accessible and available throughout Ireland.

This year, a new category has also been introduced: Live Music Promoter of the Year.

“IMRO’s recent research on the value of music to the Irish economy highlights the significant cultural and economic contribution of live music activity across the country," says Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO. "Venues, festivals and promoters all play vital roles in creating opportunities for music creators and performers, supporting employment and enriching communities. This year’s IMRO Live Music Awards provide a renewed opportunity to recognise the individuals and organisations whose dedication ensures that live music continues to thrive in Ireland.”

The IMRO Live Music Awards categories include:

Venue of the Year
IMRO Venue of the Year - Dublin
IMRO Venue of the Year - Leinster (Excluding Dublin)
IMRO Venue of the Year - Munster
IMRO Venue of the Year - Connacht
IMRO Venue of the Year - Ulster

Festival of the Year
IMRO Festival of the Year - Large (Over 15,000 Attendees)
IMRO Festival of the Year - Small (Under 15,000 Attendees)

Technical Crew of the Year
IMRO Technical Crew of the Year - Venue
IMRO Technical Crew of the Year - Festival

Promoter of the Year
IMRO Live Music Promoter of the Year

Overall Winner (In partnership with Hot Press)
IMRO Live Music Awards - Overall Winner

Entries are invited from venues, festivals and promoters through the new self-nomination portal, which will remain open from today, March 5, to Sunday, March 22. Submissions can be made at imro.ie/livemusicawards

IMRO members will vote to determine the winners, which will be announced at the awards ceremony taking place in the Guinness Storehouse on April 21.

The evening will be hosted by Tom Dunne and will feature performances from new and emerging Irish talent – as well as a headline performance from Scullion.

See the list of 2025 winners here.