Atlantic Sessions set to return to North Coast - full musical programme now released

The award-winning 2025 Atlantic Sessions music festival returns to Portstewart and Portrush this November and the full line up now released.

The much-loved festival runs from Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, November 16, offering a packed schedule of almost 40 live gigs across both seaside towns, with the majority free to attend.

A special Opening Night Show takes place on Thursday, November 13 at Portrush Playhouse featuring rising stars, Polar Bolero with support from another popular local act, Many a Son. (Note: this show is almost sold out so get your tickets quick!)

Newton Faulkner will Headline this year’s Festival, at The Barn, Kellys, Portrush, with support from Jordan O’Keefe and Ricky Lorimer. With top ten hits and number 1 Double Platinum albums, Newton Faulkner continues to tour and sell out venues across the UK and Europe. Atlantic Sessions has been very lucky to have sealed one of his four Irish gigs this year.

Other Headliners on Friday, November 14 include the David Lyttle Jazz Quartet at Flowerfield Arts Centre and Eleanor McEvoy, who will play Portrush Town Hall.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, commented: “We are excited to launch the programme for Atlantic Sessions 2025 and very pleased with the range of talent secured for this year’s festival.

“As we have seen in previous years, the fantastic variety of free musical entertainment, in two of our most beautiful coastal locations, is a winning combination for everyone involved.

Council is grateful for the support of our venue proprietors, and visitors can once again look forward to the warmest of welcomes in Portrush and Portstewart.

“Atlantic Session’s ongoing reputation as a place to celebrate emerging talent as well as established artists, with a top-class programme of events on offer - is second to none. We all look forward to another very successful weekend in Causeway Coast and Glens and I’d encourage you to mark the date in your calendars and come along.”

Programmed by Get Shep on behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, this year’s festival will feature some Atlantic Sessions favourites, such as Rory Nellis, Ken Haddock, Amanda St John and Rosborough, as well as welcoming popular bands such as The Henry Girls and The Pat McManus Band.

Also look out for free performances by 2025 Music Prize shortlisted artists California Irish and Taylor Lally.

BBC’s Ralph McLean returns to host the popular ‘Sunday Brunch’ at Flowerfield Arts Centre on Sunday, November 16 with songs and chat from Taylor Lally, Cormac Neeson, Malojian and Matt McGinn, with a fantastic brunch provided by Bazzar Street Food included in your ticket.

Villiers and the Villians will help round off this year’s Festival, performing songs by Bob Dylan, at Portrush Playhouse on the Sunday evening, followed by a free Closing Party gig with The Jackie Rainey Duo in Kiwis Brew Bar. Jackie spent six months touring with Sinead O'Connor playing rhythm guitar and providing backing vocals until the pandemic hit. Atlantic Sessions is delighted to host this wonderful duo to add the finishing touches on what is set to be an incredible weekend of live music.

New for this year! Exciting new venues include The Kon Tiki Boat Bar, The Marcus Hotel in Portrush, and Agherton Church in Portstewart. There’s more than music to enjoy – catch free movie screenings at the Playhouse Cinema, with The Commitments at 8pm on Friday, November 14 and School of Rock at 12 noon on Saturday, November 15. And don’t miss our festival merch! Retro Ringer T-shirts, unisex organic cotton hoodies, and embroidered beanies will be available online from next week, with all profits going straight back into supporting the festival.

Tickets are now on sale for all seven headline events at Atlantic Sessions. All other gigs on the Music Trail are free admission and no booking is required, however we recommend early arrival as doors will close once a venue reaches capacity.