On a chilly Christmas Eve in Dublin, the city’s Grafton Street pulsed with the sound of music, laughter, and a sense of community that has become a cherished tradition for more than a decade. Hundreds of people gathered outside the Gaiety Theatre, braving the winter air for a cause that resonates deeply in Ireland: supporting those at risk of homelessness. This year’s annual busking event, now in its fifteenth year, once again brought together a dazzling array of Irish musical talent, but it was the surprise duet of U2’s Bono and Imelda May that truly stole the show.
According to NME, Bono and May joined forces for a rousing rendition of Darlene Love’s 1963 classic ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’, sending the crowd into a festive frenzy. The event, which raises vital funds for the Dublin Simon Community, a charity devoted to helping people facing homelessness, has become a mainstay of the city’s holiday calendar. Over the years, the Grafton Street gathering has seen performances from some of Ireland’s greatest musical exports, and this year was no exception.
Glen Hansard, the Oscar-winning singer-songwriter and one of the event’s organizers, led a lineup that included The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue, The Riptide Movement, Danny O’Reilly from The Coronas, and Shobsy. The night culminated in a heartfelt performance of ‘Fairytale Of New York’, the beloved Christmas song by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl. As the last chords faded, Imelda May took a moment to wish Shane MacGowan a happy birthday for December 25, a touching gesture to the late Pogues frontman whose music has become synonymous with Irish Christmases.
It’s a tradition rich with spontaneous magic and star power. Previous years have witnessed Bono playing U2’s ‘Running To Stand Still’, Shane MacGowan delivering a gritty ‘Dirty Old Town’, and Hozier bringing the crowd to its feet with ‘Take Me To Church’. This year, the spotlight was firmly on Bono and May as they belted out their duet, their voices echoing through the streets and into the hearts of the assembled crowd. The atmosphere, as described by those in attendance, was electric—equal parts concert and community gathering, with every note serving a greater purpose.
But the night was about more than just music. The Dublin Simon Community, the charity at the heart of the event, works year-round to support people at risk of homelessness across Ireland. The funds raised from the Grafton Street busking gig help provide shelter, support services, and a sense of hope to those who need it most. As reported by NME, the event’s continued success is a testament to the generosity and spirit of both the artists and the Dublin public.
Bono, never one to shy away from using his platform for good, has long been a champion for social causes. Earlier this year, U2 was honored with the Woody Guthrie Prize, an award celebrating artists who “shine a light on our world, showing us what needs to be fixed and how to fix it.” At the ceremony, Bono and The Edge performed a trio of songs—‘One’, ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’, and Guthrie’s own ‘Jesus Christ’—underscoring the band’s commitment to activism and advocacy. In a candid op-ed for The Atlantic, Bono reflected on the meaning of freedom and the responsibilities that come with it, a theme that resonates with his work both on and off the stage.
“A champion for the voiceless with an understanding of how a platform can be used to shine a light on our world, showing us what needs to be fixed and how to fix it,” the Woody Guthrie Center said of U2, as reported by NME. It’s a sentiment that feels especially relevant during the holiday season, when issues of homelessness and poverty are thrown into sharp relief.
The Grafton Street gig also offered a glimpse into the future for both Bono and Imelda May. Bono revealed earlier this year that U2 has “25 great songs for a new album,” signaling that the band is far from ready to take a back seat. “I am ready for the future with U2,” he declared, hinting at more music—and perhaps more activism—to come. Imelda May, meanwhile, continues to shine on the international stage. She appeared as a guest on Jools Holland’s ‘Hootenanny’ this year, sharing the bill with luminaries like Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Olivia Dean, Lulu, Jessie J, Craig David, Heather Small, The Kooks, Joe Webb, David Hermlin, and Ruby Turner.
In fact, Jools Holland himself is set to play a prominent role in another major development for the UK’s live music scene. Just days after the Dublin event, The Courtyard in Hereford, England, announced the launch of The Amp, a brand-new 1,400-seat Big Top venue set to open in 2026. As reported by the Hereford Times, The Amp promises “a dynamic new way to experience live performance,” with a first wave of headline acts scheduled to perform in August 2026. The lineup reads like a who’s who of British and international music and comedy: Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Alfie Boe, James Morrison, Elkie Brooks, Russell Howard, Al Murray, ABC, The Shires, The Bootleg Beatles, and K-Pop All Stars.
Ian Archer, Chief Executive of The Courtyard Hereford, described the unveiling as “a transformational moment for culture in Herefordshire.” He added, “We are incredibly proud to unveil this first wave of performers—artists who typically play much larger venues across the UK. The response from the industry has already been overwhelmingly positive, and this is only the beginning.” David Durant, Associate Director, echoed this excitement: “The Amp will expand what’s possible for audiences in our region. This line-up reflects our ambition to bring world-class entertainment to Hereford, and we’re thrilled to finally share what’s been in the works behind the scenes.”
Priority and neighbour booking for The Amp opened on November 26, with general sales following on November 28. The venue’s mission is clear: to bring world-class entertainment to Hereford and to expand the possibilities for live performance in the region. The announcement has generated a buzz not only among local audiences but also within the wider UK entertainment industry, which has faced its share of challenges in recent years.
For fans of live music, comedy, and culture, both the Grafton Street busking tradition and the upcoming debut of The Amp represent bright spots on the calendar. They’re reminders of the power of performance to bring people together, to raise spirits, and, crucially, to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. As Bono, May, and their fellow artists proved on a cold December night in Dublin, sometimes a song can be more than just entertainment—it can be a lifeline.
With new venues opening and old traditions thriving, the future for live performance in Ireland and the UK looks both dynamic and hopeful. For now, the music continues, echoing through city streets and big tops alike, carrying with it the promise of community, compassion, and a little bit of Christmas magic.