Friends Goodwill Music Festival marks ‘dream’ Larne homecoming for The Shamrocks stars

Monday 22 June 2026

The Friends Goodwill Music Festival returns to Larne for a full weekend of live music and family entertainment, while setting the stage for a special homecoming.

It will be headlined by double Emmy Award-winning band The Shamrocks, with special guest Briana Corrigan of The Beautiful South fame.

Named after the historic Friends Goodwill ship that departed Larne in 1717, the festival opens on Saturday 27 June with a concert in Larne Market Yard.

The evening promises to make for a memorable open air experience in the heart of Larne, with a lively atmosphere and sing-along favourites.

Singer/songwriter Jamie Johnston said: “As a local Larne man and a member of The Shamrocks for eight years, it has always been a huge dream of mine to bring the show back home! 

“The Friends Goodwill was also the inspiration for an original song that I wrote for the band, called Mary, so to sing that alongside the lads and my little brother Nathan will be really special.

“We can't wait for the show and to show the lads how special a place Larne really is!"

Belfast-born Briana Corrigan said she and her band are also excited to play in Larne, adding: “I’ve only heard great things about it!

“We’ll be playing Beautiful South classics and some songs off my first two solo albums, alongside some trad and folk stuff which will work really well with the tone of the festival, as I understand it. Come down and see it, folks!”

The celebrations continue on Sunday 28 June with the free Friends Goodwill Sunday Fun Day in Curran Park, running from 1pm to 4pm. It offers something for all ages, with a wide range of activities including a petting farm, barrel rides, face painting, inflatables, games, arts and crafts, and sensory play.

Visitors can also enjoy street theatre, try their hand at circus skills, and soak up the festival atmosphere.

Live music will also feature throughout Sunday afternoon, with performances from Coach and talented students from The Music Yard adding to the relaxed and welcoming vibe of the day.

Tickets for the Saturday night concert are available now on The Braid's Ticketsolve listing for Friends Goodwill.