After kicking off their 2023 programme with a lauded event in Limerick earlier this month, Three's City Stages initiative came to Waterford on Saturday, January 28 – for a remarkable celebration of emerging musical talent.

Taking place on a special stage outside the Three Blackfriars store in Waterford, Saturday's event featured appearances from hotly tipped musicians and buskers Leah Moran, 2Time Charlie, Tia Burke, Saibh Skelly, Modern Dilemma, and Aliens in Caves.

Tia Burke. Credit: Brian McEvoy

The event was part of Three's campaign to support the next generation of artists – who are currently performing on city streets, or in small clubs and venues – to progress their careers to the biggest stages in the country.

Tracy Clifford, one of the ambassadors of City Stages, was in attendance in Waterford on the day, for the initiative's second event of the 2023 Tour. Over the weeks and months ahead, City Stages will visit towns and cities across Ireland, to shine a spotlight on some of the country's best new talent – and provide opportunities for them to perform on some of the biggest stages in the country, including 3Olympia Theatre and the 3Arena.

Modern Dilemma. Credit: Brian McEvoy

Each City Stages artist will also receive mentoring workshops by Irish music industry executives to help them bring their career to the next level. The initiative is presented by Three, in association with Hot Press, AIM Ireland and Sony Music Ireland.

Interested in performing at an upcoming City Stages event? Applications are now open at 3.ie/citystages.

Saibh Skelly. Credit: Brian McEvoy