Derry gets ready to host ‘Other Voices’ for first time in over a decade

Date published: 18 September 2026

Other Voices, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, is a two-day celebration of music, art and culture which takes place in Derry from 25-26 September 2026.

This is the first year the event is being supported through Tourism NI’s International Tourism Events Fund.  It will receive £50,000 with the event estimated to generate almost £1.5 million for the local economy.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: 

“I welcome that the funding support from Tourism NI for Other Voices will help attract visitors from across the island of Ireland and further afield.

“Coming off the back of an incredibly successful Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Other Voices is another opportunity to celebrate and share the power of our music, culture and storytelling with the world.

“With around 24,000 visitors projected to attend, Other Voices will help deliver economic benefits for local businesses while creating memorable cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.  I wish everyone well for what promises to a great event.”

The festival, which takes place at venues such as The Nerve Centre, St Columb’s Hall, St Augustine’s Church and The Playhouse, will also feature a music trail to showcase the best of emerging Irish talent.

Eimear Callaghan, Director of Client Engagement with Tourism NI, said: 

“We are delighted to welcome Other Voices back to Northern Ireland and to support the significant opportunity it provides to showcase Derry and the wider region to audiences around the world. 

“Coming just weeks after the success of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and ahead of Derry Halloween, Other Voices kicks off a strong Autumn programme of cultural and music events for the city of Derry. 

“Together, both events will showcase our rich heritage of storytelling and music and help promote the city as an ideal location for an Autumn break.” 

Philip King, Founder of Other Voices, said: 

"We are thrilled with Tourism Northern Ireland's support in helping us bring Other Voices back to Derry in 2026. We all know how powerfully music and the arts can bring people together and draw them to special places where the music happens. 

“For Other Voices, Derry is a special place, a city brimming with music and song, and a city that is firmly established on people's cultural map of Ireland and Europe.  

“We look forward to welcoming to Other Voices Derry the many visitors who we know will travel from all corners of Ireland, and elsewhere, to experience Other Voices in this wonderful city of music.

“We know from our 25 years’ experience in Dingle that Other Voices, and other music events, are vitally important in creating a sense of place, a sense of community and discovery, and in stimulating significant economic benefits and profile.  We look forward to Other Voices Derry 2026 as the opening year in a three-year cycle of Other Voices events in Derry, and we look forward to seeing many new faces in Derry."