The August Bank Holiday weekend is on its way and that means one thing, that All Together Now is once more set for the beautiful Curraghmore Estate in Co. Waterford. Last year’s All Together Now marked a triumphant return with a glorious weekend of superb performances and unforgettable experiences, and this year’s festival promises more of the same.

Given the endless array of musical acts available across the weekend we have selected five acts from each day which we think that you should definitely check out.

Friday

High on our must see acts for Friday are two Irish artists each of whom have released excellent albums this year, opening the Something Kind of Wonderful tent is the hugely talented Ailbhe Reddy who will be showcasing tracks from the sublime ‘Endless Affair’, definitely worth getting in early for. Following Ailbhe on the same stage it’s the enigmatic multi-instrumentalist David Kitt, always an extremely engaging live performer.

It’s then a case of enjoying not one, but three of the acts shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize, Jessie Ware riding high on her second nomination brings her upbeat pop sensibilities to the All Together Now Main Stage, whilst there’s bound to be a flurry of punters to the Something Kind of Wonderful tent to bear witness to the pulsating doom laden alt-trad of Lankum – it is going to be an epic set!!

Undoubtedly one of the greatest rappers in the world today, Loyle Carner is a more than worthy headliner on the main stage. Expect to be wowed and challenged by his incredible back-catalogue and tracks from his sublime latest Mercury nominatead album ‘Hugo’.

Two bassists in a band may conjure up visions of Spinal Tap doing Big Bottom but when it comes to The Cope that couldn’t be further from the truth. This duo are fast becoming one of Ireland’s best contemporary dance outfits with a live show which is ambitious as their music. Check them out at The Circle on Friday night.

If it’s heart pounding post-punk you are looking for to cap off your first night at All Together Now then Warmduscher are the band for you over in the Lovely Days area.

Saturday

Pull yourself out of bed early and enter the opulently chilled world of Irish-Catalan artist Nuria Graham on The Lovely Days stage. The indie punk stylings of Cruel Sister should knock any remaining cobwebs of with her belting brand new single Hands hot off the presses. Following Cruel Sister, don’t miss London’s finest Maddy Haenlein aka Gretel Hänlyn delivering songs from her brilliantly acerbic ‘Head of The Love Cub’.

Later on the same arena is certain to be overflowing with afrobeat, reggae and hip-hop delights as yet another Mercury Prize 2023 nominee Ezra Collective take the stage led by renowned British jazz drummer Femi Koleoso. If you haven’t experienced the magnificence of Jiggy live then you really shouldn’t miss their set on the Global Roots stage, Irish traditional music is fused with world rhythms to thrilling effect, guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get your feet moving.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magical musical explorations of Black Country, New Road on the Something Kind of Wonderful Stage. The Cambridgeshire outfits recent Live at The Bush Hall release is without doubt on of the albums  of the year.

Bricknasty have had a real breakout year, with new 10-track EP ‘INA CRUELER‘ more than delivering on the promise that they’ve long been touted for, they’ve signed up to London record label FAMM, and are set for an extensive Irish tour, but before that The Circle will host the latest of their famed high energy performances.

Fight Like Apes’ return earlier this year was greeted with an ecstatic response, with dates in the Olympia selling out in record time and a set of shows that demonstrated those eight years away have not dimmed their live edge in any way. May Kay and co. will let it rip late on Saturday on the Lovely Days stage.

Sunday

It takes a rare talent to even attempt to bear the mantel of legend Aretha Franklin but Toshin has done just that to rave reviews, soulful sounds will ring out from the Belonging Bandstand for the perfect Sunday afternoon pick-me-up. Limerick’s whenyoung returned as a duo after a two year hiatus and in ‘Paradigm Days’ an impressive album packed with infectious electro indie compositions, fronted by charismatic Aoife Power the Lovely Days tent is in for a treat.

Possibly one the most exciting Irish musical talents to emerge in recent years is Biig Piig, this stellar pop sensation and a superstar in the making takes to the Main Stage on Sunday evening which if our review of her last Irish show is anything to go means this almost certain to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

If you’re looking for propulsive and high charged emotive electronica then Grammy award winning Tourist is exactly what awaits in the Lovely Days tent late on Sunday. If you’re looking for something a little more visceral then KhakiKid and Sello have you covered with their differing high octane brands of hip hop on The Circle stage.

Who knows when or if Iggy Pop will ever play Ireland again. Don’t miss your chance to see the raw power of the legendary Stooges frontman and David Bowie collaborator in action closing the main stage.

Le Boom are set to test all those tiring legs that make their way to the same stage in the early hours of Monday morning, their high octane sets are quite something to behold. LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, meanwhile will bring his legendary DJ skills to bare on the Something Kind of Wonderful stage. Perhaps you’ll even get treated to his recent collab with Jacknife Lee.

That’s just a taste of what is on offer at All Together Now this weekend, here’s hoping the rain lets up and that everyone enjoys a wonderful few days in Curraghmore.