Longford Family Fest 2026 to bring music, family fun and community spirit to Market Square

New festival promises two evenings of live entertainment, local talent and family activities

Longford Family Fest 2026 will bring two evenings of live music, family entertainment and community celebration to Market Square, Longford Town, on Thursday 23 and Friday, 24 July. The new festival will feature local and visiting musicians, children's activities, pop-up stalls and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, with events running from 5.30pm to 10.30pm each evening. 
Funded by Longford County Council, the festival will also mark the visit of a delegation from Longford's twin town, Noyal-Châtillon-sur-Seiche in France. Longford has enjoyed a twinning relationship with the Breton town since 1998. The festival weekend will also coincide with the Farrell Clan Rally, adding to what promises to be a busy and celebratory period for Longford Town. 
The festival opens on Thursday, 23 July, with a strong line-up of live music. Longford band The Coast will take to the stage before Sligo-based band The Priest. Newtownforbes Longford CCE will showcase traditional Irish music, followed by local favourites Happy Sunny. The evening will conclude with headline act Pub Fiction, performing from 8.45pm to 10.30pm. 
Music continues on Friday, 24 July, with performances from local band Someone's Love Letter, Dublin group Dream Bound, Newtownforbes Longford CCE, local artist Lucy Lane and headline act Paul Kelly and Band. 
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “Longford Family Fest is a fantastic new summer event that will bring people together to enjoy great music, local talent and family entertainment in the heart of our county town. The programme offers something for all ages, from live performances and traditional music to children's activities and market stalls.  I would encourage everyone to join in the fun and support this event.”
Cllr Niall Gannon, who spearheaded the festival, said, "I want to thank everyone who helped in making this festival a reality, my good friends, great bands and artists, Longford County Council staff, talented young people, Longford Gardai and local businesses. The Market Square will become the beat of Longford for two evenings of live music, local performers, family fun and community celebration. This festival belongs to everyone in Longford and is there for all to enjoy. We are delighted to also welcome visitors from our twin town of Noyal-Châtillon-sur-Seiche and the Farrell Clan to showcase all that Longford has to offer." 
Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council, John Brannigan said, "Longford County Council is proud to support and fund Longford Family Fest 2026. This festival is a wonderful example of how local authority investment can help create opportunities for communities to come together, support local musicians and performers, and bring increased activity into our town centre. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate our long-standing friendship with our twinned town in France as well as welcoming members of the Farrell Clan. It allows us to showcase Longford as a welcoming and vibrant place to live, work and visit. We look forward to seeing the Market Square filled with music, entertainment and community spirit across the two days." 

Festival Information
Dates: Thursday 23 July and Friday 24 July 2026
Venue: Market Square, Longford Town
Time: 5.30pm – 10.30pm each evening
Admission: Free