Lord Mayor's Gala Christmas Concert launched
The Lord Mayor's Gala Christmas Concert 2026 was launched last week at a special event in Cork's City Hall.
The two-part event, which took place on Tuesday 20 October, featured a homecoming to City Hall, followed by a second act featuring music, celebration and the party spirit of Christmas.
The date of the concert itself has not yet been announced by Cork City Council.
The launch event was MC'd by Yvonne Coughlan, with music from Dan O'Keefe.
The concert itself will be directed by Yvonne Coughlan, and will feature the Cork Concert Orchestra, conducted by Brian Prendergast, with Sarah Murphy as first chair. The theme of the concert is 'Coming Home for Christmas'.
There will also be performances from Mary Hegarty, Emma Nash, and Dan O'Keefe, alongside the White Horse Guitar Club, the City Hall Singers, and the Montforts Youth Choir.
The White Horse Guitar Club is a particular favourite of Lord Mayor Cllr Damien Boylan. With Adrian O'Mahony, Chairperson of the Cork Concert Orchestra also a member of the guitar club, the evening will celebrate the many connections that make Cork's musical community so special.
Concert Director Yvonne Coughlan said: "With a programme celebrating the memories, reunions, and special moments that make Christmas such a treasured time of year, this year's concert promises a wonderful evening of popular Christmas sings, outstanding solo performances and the unmistakable joy of a Christmas party shared with family, friends, and the wider Cork community."
The concert will be dedicated to the memory of the recently deceased former MC Elmarie Mawe, who passed away on 31 August after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Her former 96FM colleague Isabel Bartek-Healy will take over MCing duties in her stead.
The concert is also committed to hosting people and organisations which make a difference in Cork communities. This year, both the Cork branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Cork Stroke Support will benefit from the concert.
Dan Cronin, Chair of Cork Stroke Support, highlighted the organisation's belief in the therapeutic and uplifting power of music. He emphasised the impact of stroke on individuals and their loved ones, and the importance of supporting well-being throughout recovery.
Adam Kelleher of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland said: "A dementia-inclusive city begins with listening. People living with dementia and their families must be at the heart of this work."
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.