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Bealtaine Festival 2026

Join the 2026 Bealtaine Festival Flagship Singing Group!

Age & Opportunity, is inviting applications for the 2026 Bealtaine Festival Flagship Singing Group.  The Bealtaine Festival, which is 30 years old this year, is Ireland’s national festival celebrating the  arts and ageing. A central feature of the festival is the Dawn Chorus, and one Singing Group will be selected to lead this flagship event.

The chosen Flagship Singing Group will embody the spirit of Bealtaine and will highlight creativity in ageing, diversity, and community engagement. Ideal candidates may be intergenerational, culturally diverse, or have a history of participating in Dawn/Dusk Chorus events. Singing Groups from marginalised or underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply, and interdisciplinary approaches to the event are welcomed.

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The Flagship Singing Group

Responsibilities of the Flagship Singing Group include:

  • Committing to the Dawn Chorus performance and date (typically the first Sunday in May)
  • Securing a scenic and weather-appropriate location for the performance.
  • Optionally organising a Dusk Chorus.
  • Promoting the event locally and online.
  • Collaborating with local Arts Offices, Age Friendly Programme Managers, and relevant organisations/ individuals.
  • Coordinating logistics with Age & Opportunity and Sing Ireland, though the Singing Group retains overall responsibility.
  • Participating in PR and marketing efforts beyond the event itself.

Support provided by Age & Opportunity and Sing Ireland includes:

  • PR and promotional support across media platforms.
  • Coverage of travel and performance fees within a set budget.
  • Logistical and audio-visual assistance to an agreed parameter.
  • Help in building local partnerships.
  • Documentation of the event.

Apply Now!

Application Process: Singing Groups must complete and submit this application form by 27 November 2025 at 5pm. 

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion: Age & Opportunity strongly encourages applications from all communities, particularly those underrepresented in the arts. In line with the Public Sector  Equality and Human Rights Duty, the organisation is committed to promoting equal opportunities  regardless of gender, sexual orientation, family status, religion, age, disability, race, Traveller identity, or socioeconomic background.

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