What is DylanFestival?

DylanFestival is a new annual festival celebrating the music, songwriting, and enduring legacy of Bob Dylan. The inaugural festival takes place in Derry City and features live music, workshops, screenings, talks, and special events across a vibrant three-day programme.
 

When is DylanFestival taking place?

Festival dates Friday 25th February to Sunday 27th February 2028
 

Where does the festival take place?

DylanFestival takes place across multiple venues throughout Derry City, with performances and events forming part of the city's unique Music Trail experience.
 

What is the Exclusive Music Trail?

The Music Trail is DylanFestival's exclusive ticketed programme, giving guests access to more than 90 performances, concerts, sessions, workshops, screenings, and special events taking place across participating venues throughout the city.
 

Exclusive Music Trail Package

Make the most of your DylanFestival experience with the Exclusive Music Trail Package, giving you access to an incredible weekend of live music, special events, and festival experiences across Derry City.

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Your Music Trail Package includes:

• A limited-edition DylanFest T-shirt, available exclusively to Music Trail Package holders.

• An official DylanFest wristband providing access to more than 90 performances, concerts, sessions, workshops, screenings, and special events throughout the festival weekend. Admission to participating Music Trail venues is subject to venue capacity, and early arrival is recommended for the most popular performances.

• Exclusive priority access to tickets for the three headline Guildhall concerts, giving you the opportunity to secure seats before they go on general sale.

• The option to purchase a Priority Access VIP Ticket for any of the three headline Guildhall concerts (subject to availability). VIP ticket holders enjoy fast-track entry, reserved seating within the front three rows, and an enhanced concert experience with exceptional views and a more intimate atmosphere.

• Access to afternoon concerts and curated programming at the Guildhall. (Afternoons only)

• An official festival map and programme guide to help you discover venues, plan your weekend, and make the most of everything the festival has to offer.

 

With live music taking place across Derry City from afternoon until late evening, the Music Trail Package offers exceptional value and the freedom to explore a diverse programme of performances inspired by the music and legacy of Bob Dylan, while showcasing outstanding local, national, and international talent.

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Availability is strictly limited, so we recommend securing your Music Trail Package early to avoid disappointment.

d international artists celebrating the music and legacy of Bob Dylan.

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Please note: The festival's headline evening concerts at the Guildhall are not included in the Music Trail Package and require separate tickets.

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As availability is limited, festival-goers are encouraged to book early to secure their place and enjoy the full DylanFestival experience.

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As each Music Trail venue may have a limited capacity, admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid disappointment, ticket holders are strongly advised to arrive early for their chosen performances, particularly for artists and concerts expected to attract high demand.

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Are the headline Guildhall evening concerts included?

No. The headline evening concerts at the Guildhall are not included with Music Trail Tickets and must be purchased separately.
 

Are Guildhall daytime events included?

Yes. Afternoon concerts and specially curated programming taking place in the Guildhall are included as part of the Music Trail programme and can be accessed with a valid Music Trail Wristband, subject to venue capacity.
 

Do I need to book individual Music Trail concerts?

No. Music Trail events are accessed using your exclusive festival Wristband. Admission operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
 

What happens if a venue is full?

As Music Trail venues have limited capacity, entry cannot be guaranteed once a venue reaches its safe operating limit. We strongly recommend arriving early for your chosen performances to avoid disappointment.
 

Are there VIP experiences available?

Yes. DylanFestival will offer a number of exclusive VIP experiences, with further details to be revealed in the lead-up to the festival. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear about VIP packages, artist announcements, and festival updates.
 

Is the festival suitable for all ages?

Many DylanFestival events are suitable for all ages, although some venues may operate age restrictions. Details will be available within individual event listings.
 

Will food and drink be available?

Yes. Derry City offers an excellent selection of cafés, restaurants, pubs, and hospitality venues, many of which will be participating in the festival weekend.
 

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets will be available through the official DylanFestival website and our authorised ticketing partners. Be among the first to secure your place by joining our mailing list for exclusive ticket release announcements, festival updates, and special news.

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When will the artist line-up be announced?

The first wave of DylanFestival performers will be announced soon, and we're delighted to have already secured an outstanding selection of artists for our inaugural festival. Expect the return of some much-loved favourites to the city, alongside exciting new names from across Ireland and beyond, all coming together to celebrate the music and legacy of Bob Dylan.

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With more artists, special guests, and unique events still to be revealed, our line-up continues to grow. Join our mailing list to be the first to hear the latest announcements and discover who will be taking to the DylanFestival stages.

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How can I be the first to hear about the line-up?

Make sure to sign up to the DylanFestival mailing list to be the first to hear who's performing, receive festival updates, and get the latest ticket news delivered directly to your inbox.
 

Can I buy merchandise at the festival?

Yes. Official DylanFestival merchandise, including exclusive festival items, will be available during the festival weekend, subject to availability from our festival office and merchandise shop.
 

Is parking available?

Yes. City centre parking is available throughout Derry, with details highlighted on the official festival map and visitor information guides.
 

How do I get to DylanFestival?

Derry City is easily accessible by road, rail, and bus, with excellent transport links connecting the city to destinations across Ireland and the UK.
 

Where can I stay during DylanFestival?

Derry City and the surrounding county offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Visitors can choose from city centre hotels, boutique guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering apartments, hostels, and countryside retreats throughout the city and wider region.
 

As DylanFestival is expected to attract visitors from across Ireland and beyond, we strongly recommend booking accommodation early to secure your preferred option.

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For information on accommodation, travel, attractions, and everything you need to plan your visit, please visit Visit Derry, which provides a comprehensive guide to hotels, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation, and other useful information about the city and surrounding area.

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Is accommodation included with festival tickets?

No. Accommodation is not included with DylanFestival tickets or Music Trail packages and should be booked separately.

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Where can I find festival updates?

Follow DylanFestival on social media and sign up to the mailing list for the latest artist announcements, programme updates, ticket releases, travel information, and festival news.

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Accessibility & Carer Tickets

Further information can be found here Accessibility & Carer Tickets

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Programme Information & Ticket Policy

DylanFestival is committed to presenting an exciting and diverse programme of music, performances, workshops, screenings, and special events. As the festival grows, our line-up will continue to evolve, with new artists, events, and experiences being added in the lead-up to the festival.

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While every effort is made to ensure all information is accurate, please note that artist line-ups, venues, locations, dates, and performance times are subject to change. All details were correct at the time of publication, but circumstances may occasionally require updates to the programme.

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We recommend checking the DylanFestival website and official social media channels regularly for the latest announcements and festival information. You can also sign up to our mailing list to receive updates, artist announcements, and ticket news directly to your inbox.

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Ticket Information & Refunds

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to DylanFestival and want to be as clear as possible about our ticketing policy.

 

DylanFestival tickets and Music Trail Packages are non-refundable once purchased. Full refunds will only be issued if the festival is cancelled by the organisers.

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As with all live events, programmes can sometimes change, and artists, schedules, venues, or event details may be amended without notice. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be provided due to changes in the line-up, event timings, travel arrangements, accommodation bookings, or personal circumstances.

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In the unlikely event that DylanFestival is cancelled, all ticket holders will be contacted directly with full details of the refund process.

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If you have any questions before booking, please get in touch. Our team will be happy to help and ensure you have all the information you need before purchasing your tickets.