Winterval is set to unveil its biggest entertainment expansion to date with the launch of The Hive, a spectacular new 1,200-capacity venue that will host a major programme of headline concerts and comedy throughout Winterval 2026.

Making an unforgettable debut announcement for The Hive brings together three outstanding live acts. The High Kings have chosen Waterford to launch their highly anticipated Power of the People Tour 2027; internationally renowned Irish new wave legends The Boomtown Rats will perform one of the headline concerts, while Ireland’s definitive Oasis tribute act, Mad Ferritt, completes a blockbuster opening programme that is set to establish The Hive as one of the standout attractions of Winterval 2026.

Purpose-built for the festival, The Hive will provide a premium live entertainment experience in a fully heated, standing and seated venue, fully floored venue accommodating up to 1,200 people. Complete with a dedicated foyer and bar, the venue has been designed as a vibrant new home for large-scale indoor concerts and comedy performances, significantly expanding Winterval’s evening entertainment offering and creating an exciting new destination at the heart of Ireland’s Christmas Festival.

The High Kings will officially open The Hive on Thursday, December 18, becoming the first act to perform in the venue while simultaneously launching their nationwide Power of the People Tour 2027. Waterford has been selected as the opening date of the tour, giving audiences the unique opportunity to experience the band’s spectacular new live show before anywhere else in Ireland.

Fresh from the biggest chapter of their remarkable career, The High Kings continue to enjoy phenomenal international success. Following their largest-ever world tour, which included sold-out performances across Ireland, the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, the band now attracts millions of streams every week. Their latest single, The Irish Roar, has surpassed one million streams and one million video views, while appearances on the soundtrack of the global box office hit Sinners and Disney’s Only Murders in the Building have introduced their music to an even wider international audience. Their return to Waterford promises to be one of the highlights of the festive season.

Joining them at The Hive are one of Ireland’s most iconic and influential rock bands, The Boomtown Rats. Led by Bob Geldof alongside original members Garry Roberts, Pete Briquette and Simon Crowe, the band enjoyed a string of international hits between 1977 and 1985 and helped define the new wave era with classics including Rat Trap, I Don’t Like Mondays, Banana Republic and Like Clockwork.

Since reforming in 2013, The Boomtown Rats have continued to captivate audiences across Ireland, the UK and North America, proving that their energy and live performances remain as compelling as ever. Their acclaimed 2020 album Citizens of Boomtown introduced new material to a new generation of fans while staying true to the band’s unmistakable sound.

Having celebrated their landmark 50th anniversary in 2025, The Boomtown Rats continue to enjoy an extraordinary resurgence. To mark the milestone they released The First 50 Years: Songs of Boomtown Glory, a career-spanning collection personally curated by the band, featuring music from their debut single through to their latest release, There’s No Tomorrow Like Today. The anniversary was further celebrated with a sold-out tour of major cities across the UK, underlining the band’s enduring popularity and lasting influence on Irish and international rock music. Their Winterval appearance promises to be one of the festival’s defining live performances.

Completing the opening line-up is Mad Ferritt, Ireland’s original Oasis tribute act. Formed by musicians from the south east, the band has earned an outstanding reputation for recreating the raw power, swagger and unmistakable “wall of sound” that made Oasis one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Inspired by legendary performances including Live by the Sea and There and Then, Mad Ferritt faithfully captures the atmosphere, attitude and energy of Oasis at the height of their fame. Fans can expect an unforgettable night featuring timeless anthems including Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova and Live Forever, making it the perfect celebration for Oasis fans old and new.

Speaking about the launch of The Hive, Trevor Darmody, Director of Winterval, said: “The Hive represents one of the most exciting developments in Winterval’s history and marks a significant step forward for the festival. It allows us to greatly expand our live entertainment programme while providing audiences with a premium indoor venue capable of hosting major concerts and comedy shows throughout the festive season.

“To launch The Hive with artists of the calibre of The High Kings, The Boomtown Rats and Mad Ferritt is a tremendous statement of intent. This is just the beginning, and we are looking forward to announcing many more exciting headline acts over the coming weeks.”

The Hive forms part of Winterval’s biggest entertainment programme to date, complementing the festival’s extensive family attractions, festive markets, seasonal experiences and cultural events that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Waterford each Christmas. The addition of a dedicated large-scale indoor venue further strengthens Winterval’s position as Ireland’s premier Christmas festival and creates an exciting new reason for visitors to make a weekend of their Winterval experience.

Further headline acts for The Hive will be announced over the coming weeks. Tickets for performances at The Hive go on sale on Friday, August 7 at 10 am, with prices from €38.50. Tickets, accommodation offers and further information are available at www.winterval.ie.