Galway City New Year’s Eve is an invitation to Galway families and those visiting the city for a festive break to enjoy an early evening of music, art and culture at St Nicholas Collegiate Church to welcome a much anticipated 2026.
From 6pm to 9pm, the iconic St Nicholas Collegiate Church will host a free event with a magical line up of music opening with the Galway Ukulele Tribe, followed by the TBL8, the high-energy brass band before the climax of the evening the eclectic PrYmary Colours, with a vibrant set fusing music, dance, performance, and aesthetics into one neat, pumping package.
All of which will be set to the backdrop of the mesmerising art installation, “Trick of the Light.” A light installation commissioned work that will be video-mapped onto the outdoor facade of St. Nicholas Church.
The installation is created by local Galway artists Jennifer Cunningham and Jane Cassidy in conjunction with Galway Training Centre, Merlin Park.
This dedicated New Year’s Eve family event forms a key focus of Galway City Council’s night time economy programme and invites families to soak up the festive atmosphere of Galway City.
Wander the cobbled streets, enjoy a hot chocolate as you stroll, or an early evening celebratory dinner in one of the city’s excellent restaurants, pubs and eateries before joining in the fun and music at St Nicholas Collegiate Church.
Especially created for young families, the magical evening of heartwarming music gives young children and families the opportunity to enjoy a unique New Year countdown together.
At 6pm the Galway Ukulele Tribe will kick off the New Year’s Eve celebrations with their infectious, fun, and lively renditions of popular hits – from The Beatles, David Bowie, The Saw Doctors, to The Waterboys. There may even be a couple of seasonal favourites!
Next to hit the stage will be TBL8, the high-energy brass band who’re widely known for their infectious sound and dynamic stage presence.
Breathing new life into popular hits and classic tunes with a powerful, modern brass ensemble twist, TBL8 will certainly have Galway’s New Year’s evening celebrations in full swing ahead of the crescendo performance by PrYmary Colours.
This vibrant and acclaimed act is well known for fusing music, dance, performance, and aesthetics into one neat, pumping package, which is the perfect act to thank 2025 and welcome an exciting New Year.
Galway is world-renowned for its arts and culture performances, and PrYmary Colours, known as the “sparkle on a red-hot bassline,” will set the tone for 2026 following their successful tours on iconic stages, including the House of Yes in New York and the Olympia in Dublin, along with major festivals including Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, and Latitude UK.
PrYmary Colours will deliver a high-octane blend of electronic-infused pop and funk, leading right up to the early family New Year’s Eve countdown for Galway, which will take place from 8.30pm the event will finish at 9pm. This gives families the opportunity to celebrate early and have the little children home at a reasonable time.
Beyond the stage, audiences will experience the mesmerizing art installation, “Trick of the Light.” This light installation is a commissioned work that will be video mapped onto the outdoor facade of St. Nicholas Church.
Additional light displays can be seen on Spanish Arch. Through these illuminated displays, Trick of the Light aims to enliven public spaces and inspire hope and warmth during the winter nights.
The installations, created by local artists Jennifer Cunningham and Jane Cassidy in conjunction with Merlin Park Training Centre, incorporate themes of Community and Connection, local stories, and personal histories, offering a beacon of brightness during the dark days of winter.
Trick of the Light is funded by Creative Ireland and Galway City Council and can be viewed at St. Nicholas Church and Spanish Arch daily from 5pm to 9pm from December 27th – January 2nd.
Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard said, “Galway, a bilingual city, is renowned globally for its culture, arts, music and festival style atmosphere, and New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to reflect on a year gone by while awaiting the newness of 2026.”
“This special family friendly event which is integral to Galway City Council’s night time economy programme brings together the perfect blend of Galway’s most charming traits, art installations, heart warming music, dance and song.”
“Together with [an] excellent array of restaurants, pubs, music venues and hotels, which as Galwegians we love to share with visitors, this New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to give thanks while also extending a warm Céad Míle Fáilte to everyone.”
Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary highlighted the importance of such events. “This event is part of Galway City Council’s ongoing efforts to enhance Galway’s thriving and diverse night-time economy.”
“It showcases the city’s commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for people of all ages, and we’re delighted to welcome visitors and families to celebrate this special moment.”
Galwegians and visitors to the Galway City New Year’s Eve Celebrations are invited to continue their celebrations after the 9:00 PM conclusion at St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, at one of Galway’s many iconic bars and live music venues.
For the full programme of Galway’s New Year’s Eve and Festive events, please log onto to www.thisisgalway.ie and follow @thisisgalway on all social media channels for all of the latest news and updates from #NYEGalway.
