June Fest a big hit in Newbridge
Ruth and Emily O'Sullivan and their Dog Bailey enjoy the yarn bombing in the Linear Park
Market Square on Eyre Street hosted June Fest’s Big Weekend with live music on safer streets and Youth-Led Art on Sunday (8 June).
June Fest 2025 wrapped up with The Big Weekend – a landmark event that brings together music, public art, community safety, and youth voices right in the heart of Newbridge that was ultimately funded by criminal assets.
“Two years ago the Safer Newbridge Community Partnership received €150,000 from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) which is basically re-purposed criminal assets,” said Cllr Chris Pender.
“We used about €8,000 for the concert, but Safer Newbridge has a couple of other plans in the pipeline, which we’ll concentrate on the area around Eyre Street,” he said.
From 4:15pm on Sunday the Main Stage at Market Square came alive with a free open-air concert featuring Big Generator, The Outcast Crew, Joe Skylark and the Glow in the Dark Sharks, and Local talent Roisín McAlinden.
The event, set right on Eyre Street, is supported by the Department of Justice and the Safer Newbridge Community Partnership as part of a wider initiative using CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) to activate public spaces and improve safety, visibility and community engagement.
“This is more than just a gig – it’s about changing how we use our town centre,” said Cllr Pender.
“By reimagining Eyre Street and Market Square as lively, safe, and welcoming spaces, we’re making public safety a shared, positive experience showing that CPTED isn’t just policy – it’s action, and this weekend is a great example.” In a first for June Fest, Market Square will also feature a large-scale youth-led public art installation. The “Through Eyre Eyes” Outdoor Photo Voice Gallery, curated by young people from ‘Communities That Care Newbridge’ and Foróige, showcased what Eyre Street means to them – and what it could become.
“This is a real milestone for June Fest with a full-scale concert and visual art project, right in Market Square," said Festival Chair Annie Morris.
