In a heartwarming display of festive spirit, Dublin's iconic Grafton Street was transformed into a stage for a star-studded charity busking session on Christmas Eve. The event, now a beloved tradition in its 15th year, saw U2 frontman Bono join a line-up of over 30 musicians to raise crucial funds for the Dublin Simon Community.
A Star-Studded Festive Line-Up
The annual gathering, which began as an impromptu sing-song in 2010, has evolved into a highly anticipated organised event outside The Gaiety Theatre. This year, Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard officially opened the proceedings on Wednesday 24 December 2025, announcing the impressive roster of talent to a substantial and enthusiastic crowd.
Alongside Bono, the bill featured renowned singer Imelda May, The Riptide Movement, singer-songwriter Shobsy, and a special collaborative performance from Danny O’Donoghue of The Script and Danny O’Reilly from The Coronas. The diverse acts performed a mix of classic Christmas tunes and popular Irish hits, creating a unifying soundtrack for the evening.
Memorable Musical Moments for a Vital Cause
A standout moment of the night was a powerful duet between Bono and Imelda May, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)". The event reached its emotional peak with a rousing, crowd-led performance of The Pogues' timeless anthem, "Fairytale Of New York".
During this performance, Imelda May paid a poignant tribute to the late Shane MacGowan, wishing him a "happy birthday for tomorrow". The entire session was dedicated to raising money for the Dublin Simon Community, an organisation providing essential support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness across seven counties.
A Global Audience for a Local Tradition
The event's magic was not confined to those braving the Dublin chill. A livestream broadcast the festivities to a global audience, with viewers tuning in from cities including Berlin, London, and New York. For many attendees, the busk is an unmissable part of their holiday season.
Jason Hanaway, who splits his time between New York and Poland, captured the sentiment, calling the event "brilliant" and adding, "only in Dublin." Maria Campani, an Italian resident of Dublin, affirmed her annual attendance, stating it was "a great event that brings everyone together."
As hundreds sang along under the Christmas Eve sky, the 15th edition of this charitable tradition once again proved the power of music and community in supporting those in need during the festive period.
