Lord Mayor’s ‘Open to All’ Concert Celebrates 90 Years of Cork City Hall

22/10/2026

The Lord Mayor’s Community and Heritage Concert marked the 90th anniversary of historic Cork City Hall with a special evening celebrating music, heritage, culture and inclusion.

Held in the Concert Hall of Cork City Hall on Saturday, October 10, free tickets were distributed through Cork City Council’s Community Team and Cork Lions Club, ensuring the concert was accessible to communities across the city.

Almost 1,000 people attended in person, while a further 1,300 viewers tuned in online to watch the live-streamed performance.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, said the concert has become a much-loved feature of the city’s civic calendar.

“Since its beginnings in 2010, the Community and Heritage Concert has brought people together from every part of our city to celebrate music, culture, heritage and community spirit,” the Lord Mayor said.

“It demonstrates the power of the arts to connect people and create lasting memories.

“The concert celebrates everything that is best about Cork - community, culture, heritage, inclusion and civic pride.

“It reminds us that while our backgrounds may differ, we are united by a shared commitment to making Cork a welcoming and inclusive city for everyone.”

The concert, themed Musicals, Movies and More, showcased an impressive line-up of Cork performers, featuring the Barrack Street Band, musicians from the Cork Academy of Music and the Voices of Cork Choir.

They were joined by acclaimed performers Linda Kenny, Art Supple, Jimmy Hynes, Conor O'Shea and special guest Lottie O'Driscoll Murray. Linda Kenny and Conor O'Shea also served as MCs for the event.

A special highlight of the evening was a presentation by Aodh Quinlivan, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Centre for Local and Regional Governance at University College Cork, who reflected on the opening of Cork City Hall in 1936 and its enduring role at the heart of civic, cultural and community life in the city since.

Speaking on behalf of Rebecca Loughry, Director of Services for Corporate, Community and Cultural Affairs, Dr Martin Davoren, Senior Social Inclusion Specialist for Community and Sport with Cork City Council, highlighted the importance of accessibility and participation for those who organise the concert.

“One of the hallmarks of this concert is that it is open to all,” Dr Davoren said.

“By providing tickets free of charge to community groups and organisations throughout the city, we ensure that people from all backgrounds can experience this wonderful venue and enjoy a memorable evening of culture and entertainment.”

He also paid tribute to the many performers, volunteers and organisers who contributed to the success of the event.

Special thanks were extended to Concert Producer Billy O'Callaghan, Teresa Dineen, Pat O'Brien, Brian Lenihan, Declan Moon, Susan Turtle of Cork Lions Club, and PJ Murphy of Cork City Council, whose commitment and collaboration helped bring the event to life.

Cork City Council staff and porters were also recognised for their support in preparing City Hall and ensuring the smooth running of the concert.

The Lord Mayor’s Community and Heritage Concert remains one of Cork City Council’s flagship social inclusion initiatives.

By opening the doors of one of the city’s most iconic civic spaces and removing financial barriers to attendance, the event provides an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to attend.

The full concert can be viewed on Cork City Council’s YouTube channel.