Press Release
June 5, 2026 • 4 min read
The Global Solidarity Hub will make its debut at Beyond the Pale Festival this June, bringing a vibrant programme of creativity, conversation, and cultural engagement to Glendalough Estate, Co. Wicklow from 12–14 June 2026.
Curated by Sightsavers Ireland, Trócaire, and GOAL, and supported by Irish Aid, the Hub brings together leading voices in global development and will invite festivalgoers to explore global justice issues through interactive workshops, performances, storytelling, music, and shared cultural experiences as part of Beyond the Pale’s arts and culture programme.
Designed as a welcoming and creative space within the festival, the Hub will feature performances, activities and discussions centred around themes including global citizenship, disability inclusion, climate justice, youth participation, and international solidarity.
“We’re delighted to bring the Global Solidarity Hub to Beyond the Pale for the first time this year,” said Global Citizenship Education Manager at Sightsavers Ireland, Róisín McAtamney. “Festivals create unique opportunities for people to connect, reflect and engage with new ideas, and we’re excited to create a space where conversations around inclusion, equality, and global citizenship can happen in a creative and accessible way. The Hub is about bringing people together through culture, participation, and shared experiences.”
Now entering its fifth year, Beyond the Pale has become known for combining music, arts, wellness, and immersive cultural experiences in the woodland surroundings of Glendalough Estate. The festival’s expanding arts and culture programme provides a fitting home for the Global Solidarity Hub’s collaborative and participatory approach.
Volunteer and Campaigns Manager at Trócaire, Jennifer Flynn, explains: “Festivals are all about connection, energy, and shared experience, and the Global Solidarity Hub at Beyond the Pale channels that energy into a space of activity and interaction around global justice, through performances, workshops, and cultural experiences for creative engagement. Turning global issues into something accessible and alive in the moment. We’re really looking forward to meeting festivalgoers, sharing our workshops, performances, and activations.”
Across the weekend, festival attendees will be invited to drop into the Hub to take part in performances, creative workshops, conversations, and interactive experiences led by the participating organisations and guest facilitators and artists.
Programme Highlights
The Global Solidarity Hub programme will feature a vibrant mix of music, workshops, storytelling and cultural experiences across the weekend. Highlights include solidarity patch-making workshops with Taz Kelleher of The Useless Project, identity and storytelling sessions with award-winning author and Black & Irish founder Leon Diop, and an interactive workshop led by activist and Saved By The Sign founder Lydia Gratis exploring communication, identity, and culture through sign and movement.
Festivalgoers can also take part in cultural workshops with Thaís Muniz and Tura Arutura, alongside reflection sessions on nature and biodiversity led by Gracie Mahady and Melanie Lynch and Solidarity-tees creation with BiPolarBear Wear.
Live performances throughout the weekend will feature artists including RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominee JyellowL, Cork hip-hop artist Salamay, Paris-based performer Celaviedmai, Fortune Igiebor, Saibhin and Vee Mukarati, alongside high-energy dabke dance performances celebrating Palestinian culture and community connection.
Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpretation will be available for workshops taking place between 1.30pm and 3.15pm on Sunday afternoon.
Victoria Walshe, Head of Global Citizenship at GOAL Global added “In an increasingly interconnected world, global solidarity is not optional – it is essential. At GOAL, we recognise the power of music, arts and culture in uniting us as global citizens – a universal language that transcends borders and reminds us that we are far more connected than we are divided. We are excited to bring this diverse programme to Beyond the Pale for the first time this year, creating a space where connection can spark understanding and inspire action for a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive world.”
The purpose of the Global Solidarity Hub is to highlight the importance of global citizenship and Ireland’s role in building a fairer, more sustainable world. Each organisation involved brings their own perspective to the Hub’s activities, while sharing in the common goal of a better world for all.
The Global Solidarity Hub has previously appeared at major public engagement events and festivals across Ireland, creating spaces where people can connect with global issues in accessible and engaging ways. Its debut at Beyond the Pale reflects a growing appetite for festival experiences that combine creativity, culture, and social awareness.
Beyond the Pale Festival takes place from 12–14 June 2026 at Glendalough Estate, Co. Wicklow. For more information, visit Beyond the Pale Festival website https://www.itsbeyondthepale.ie/
