Moncrieff at Heatwave Festival Waterford (Photos)

Moncrieff Brings Magic Home with Explosive Heatwave Festival Headliner! There is always a unique, electric atmosphere when a hometown hero returns to headline a local festival. At this year's expanded Heatwave Festival in Waterford, that exact local pride was on full display as singer-songwriter Moncrieff took the stage at the Regional Sports Centre (RSC) as headline for the 2026 edition. Supported by beloved local artist Dave Lofts, the Saturday lineup delivered a passionate celebration of Waterford talent.

Opening up the evening, Dave Lofts proved once again why he is one of the region’s most striking live performers. Armed with raw, raspy vocals and an effortlessly warm stage presence, Lofts pulled the early crowd in with his signature blend of soulful indie-folk. His performance felt intimate despite the open-air festival setting. Tracks like his original fan favorites stood out, driven by gritty acoustic guitar work and honest storytelling. Lofts knows how to connect with a Waterford audience—his relaxed banter between songs kept the mood light and celebratory, making him the perfect warm-up.

When Moncrieff (Chris Breheny) stepped into the spotlight, the energy at the RSC Stadium shifted up several gears. Backed by a full live band, the Waterford-born singer brought dynamic vocals and theatrical flair. Moving constantly across the stage, he expertly commanded the audience, switching between vulnerability on slower ballad intros and explosive energy on big pop hooks.

Between tracks, Breheny took moments to reflect on his journey from walking home from school past the RSC stadium, moving to London and now to have this honor to return home and play here, thanking the crowd for supporting him from day one.

Moncrieff's vocal power and control forms the backbone of his live show and the Waterford native treated his home crowd to an 18 strong set showcasing every element. 'Shangri La' kicked off the evening and it didn't take long for the Waterford star to jump down off the stage and greet his adoring fans in the front row. The atmosphere ebbed and flowed with each track.
Hits like 'Warm', 'Love Somebody', and 'Young Men' resonated deeply, with the crowd echoing back every word during the choruses. Other stand outs included 'Talk', 'How it Ends' and a cover of 'Don't Stop Believing' with Moncrieff swopping guitars throughout. The show came to a crescendo with his inevitable change into a Waterford GAA jersey and the special night closed on 'Sun Is Shining' with the crowd cheering every word.

Heatwave Festival’s decision to center its main day around local powerhouses paid off in spades. Dave Lofts provided the acoustic soul, and Moncrieff delivered the polished pop star energy needed to close out a festival in style. It was a triumphant night for Waterford’s live music scene.