NYE Dublin Festival 2012 Announcement

Rockabilly queen Imelda May and Bell X1 were today unveiled as the headline acts for the NYE Dublin Countdown Concert on December 31. The Countdown Concert is part of the NYE Dublin festival, celebrating the year of The Gathering Ireland 2013.

The celebrations will take place in a purpose-built outdoor venue on Dublin's College Green. And apart from a top class musical line-up, the party will also include the People’s Procession of Light, a vivid celebration incorporating art, music and dance, led by LUXe which will culminate with The Big Bang Fireworks Spectacular at St. Stephen’s Green.

Tickets for the Countdown Concert are available through nyedublin.ie at the early bird price of €15 plus booking fee until December 10. (full price €20 plus booking fee).

RTÉ Television, RTÉ Radio and RTÉ.ie will be onsite to broadcast all the happenings from what should be a fun filled night in College Green.

On RTÉ One television, Miriam O'Callaghan will host a gathering of special guests as she broadcasts live from a purpose built studio in College Green capturing all of the key moments from the NYE Dublin Countdown Concert, as well as highlights from the NYE Dublin Festival including the People’s Procession of Light and the Big Bang Fireworks Spectacular. Aidan Power will be among the New Year's Eve revellers, soaking up the atmosphere and reaction from the festival goers.

John Creedon will host the RTÉ Radio 1 gathering, as he's joined by special guests live from the Countdown Concert, for an entertaining blend of chat and music, to take listeners through the evening and into the New Year.

RTÉ has ensured that viewers from around the world can also join the celebrations. Showcasing the very best of the first official gathering, RTÉ.ie will capture all the atmosphere and action from the NYE Dublin Festival, with live updates throughout the evening. RTÉ’s coverage of the NYE Dublin Countdown Concert will be streamed live on RTÉ.ie, RTÉ Player and RTÉ YouTube ensuring that for the first time ever, Irish people and those who love Ireland can join in the capital city's New Year celebrations wherever they are.

Miriam O’Callaghan said, "It's really fitting as The Gathering Ireland 2013 is launched that viewers and listeners around the country and more importantly around the world, will be able to join us as we ring in the New Year. With a fabulous line-up on stage in the beautiful, historical setting of College Green, it looks set to be a fantastic night and one we can all look forward to celebrating together".

"I'm delighted to be broadcasting live from the Dublin NYE Countdown Concert. It's fantastic to have rockabilly royalty Imelda May back performing in her hometown on such a special night. We'll be soaking up all the atmosphere, hosting a gathering in our studio in College Green to ensure RTÉ Radio 1 listeners around the country and the world, can join us for the Dublin New Year's Eve countdown, wherever they are!", said RTÉ Radio 1's John Creedon.

New Year’s Eve Live- The Gathering begins on RTÉ Radio 1 at 10pm and RTÉ One television at 10.30pm, while RTÉ.ie will be the central hub for all of RTÉ’s coverage. Dedicating the homepage to the event, RTÉ.ie will feature video links to RTÉ TV and radio coverage, as well as providing live updates throughout the evening to ensure audiences around the world have access to the latest from the capital city.

NYE Dublin is the first event of the Gathering Ireland 2013, a yearlong calendar of Gatherings, special festivals and events organised by the people of Ireland to celebrate all that is great about our country.