Irish Rhythms Take Centre Stage at Peterborough Musicfest for Bicentennial 2025 

Peterborough, ON – Wednesday, April 16th, 2025– In celebration of Peterborough’s Irish roots and the historic Nine Ships 1825 Bicentennial commemorative event, Peterborough Musicfest is presenting a week of Irish-themed music from Saturday, August 2nd to Saturday, August 9th 2025, at Del Crary Park.

Peterborough Musicfest is pleased to complement the spirit of the Nine Ships Bicentennial celebrations through a week of Irish-themed performances, honouring the arrival of the Peter Robinson emigrants from Ireland 200 years ago. Although independently programmed, the festival’s connection to this historic milestone Peterborough Musicfest 277 George St. #211 Peterborough, Ontario K9J 2R8 (705) 755-1111 ptbomusicfest.ca highlights a mutual respect for the rich cultural heritage that has shaped the Peterborough community.

The week opens with the high-energy sounds of Acrobat – A U2 Tribute Band on Saturday, August 2nd, followed by local fiddle sensation Irish Millie, who will open for Celtic-rock legends Mudmen on Wednesday, August 6th. The celebration crescendos with a performance by internationally renowned The Celtic Tenors on Saturday, August 9th, flying in straight from Ireland to close out the week.

Peterborough Musicfest gratefully acknowledges Nine Ships 1825 for sponsoring the appearance of emerging local artist Irish Millie.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to honour our community’s Irish heritage through music, and align our programming with a moment of shared historical reflection,” said Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest “The Musicfest team is thrilled to be part of this cultural moment.”

Brendan Moher, Chair of the Nine Ships 1825 Board of Directors, added: “We’re thrilled to see Musicfest join the regional tribute to our Irish heritage with such an outstanding musical line up. This week of Irish music enhances the commemorative spirit of the Nine Ships 1825 event, offering residents and visitors an engaging way to honour the legacy of the Peter Robinson emigrants.”

All concerts are free and open to the public. Audiences are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and friends to enjoy a week of celebration through music.

For event details and updates, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or follow Peterborough Musicfest on social media. To learn more about Nine Ships 1825 and other activities happening during Bicentennial 2025, visit https://nineships1825.com/

Presented by Peterborough Musicfest

Supported in part by Nine Ships 1825 Bicentennial 2025

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ABOUT PETERBOROUGH MUSICFEST Peterborough Musicfest is funded by corporate sponsorships – most of those being locally owned businesses – multiple levels of government support, fundraising initiatives and private donations and, as a result, has been, and steadfastly remains, a uniquely free admission event. Dallas Green, Metric, Our Lady Peace, Serena Ryder, Gordon Lightfoot, 54-40, Little River Band and Blue Rodeo are just a few of the sensational music acts that have appeared over the years.

Overseen by Executive Director Tracey Randall and staff, and a board of directors, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community”. In order to fulfill this mandate and keep attracting legendary musicians to our stage, Peterborough Musicfest encourages any individual or business interested in sponsoring the festival to reach out at www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone 705-755-1111.

For any media requests, contact Raff Melito, Marketing and Communications Manager Peterborough Musicfest

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