Live Aid 2026 Winter Programme
The exhibition at the National Photographic Archive, Temple Bar, showcases striking photographs from the Band Aid Trust Archive and captures the scale and emotion of that day. The exhibition is free and open daily, 10am – 4pm.
On 13 July 1985, music created a moment of extraordinary collective action across continents, bringing together 1.6 billion viewers. The winter programme carries that spirit into the darker months: a talk series taking a fresh look at 1980s Ireland, mornings of rest and sound as the year winds down, and a festive return to the dance floor.
All events are free. Booking is essential for all events except tours.
Events
Ireland in the 80s: The Full Picture
The 1980s are usually told as one story: recession, emigration and dole queues. That story is real, but it’s not the whole picture. Inspired by the Live Aid exhibition, this series of four talks brings together writers, broadcasters and historians to take a fresh look at a decade that made modern Ireland.
All talks take place in the Joly Lecture Theatre, National Library of Ireland, 7–8 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 P638.
► Media, TV and Radio: Rick O’Shea in conversation with Kevin Rafter
Monday, 9 November | 1pm
Broadcaster Rick O’Shea and Professor Kevin Rafter of Dublin City University look at a decade of change in Irish television and radio.
Free. Booking essential.
► Music: Niall Stokes in conversation with Donal Fallon
Tuesday, 17 November | 6pm
Niall Stokes, founding editor of Hot Press, and historian Donal Fallon explore the sound of 1980s Ireland.
Free. Booking essential.
Tuesday, 24 November | 6pm
Ann Marie Duffin of Bia Duit explores how the way Ireland ate, cooked and thought about food changed in the 1980s.
Free. Booking essential.
► Fashion: Robert O’Byrne in conversation with John Rocha
Friday, 27 November | 6pm
Writer Robert O’Byrne and designer John Rocha talk about what Ireland wore in the 1980s, and who was making it.
Free. Booking essential.
Pause and Reflect: The Live Aid Experience
► Slán Solas x National Photographic Archive
Saturday, 14 November & Saturday, 5 December | 11am | National Photographic Archive, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 WF85
Slán Solas (Irish for “goodbye light”) is a morning gathering with breathwork, sound baths and live music as we gently wind down the year. Please bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to sit on.
Free. Booking essential.
Silent Disco
Friday, 11 December | 6 – 8pm | National Photographic Archive, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 WF85
Pop on your headphones and dance through the decade’s biggest Christmas hits, surrounded by iconic photographs from the Band Aid Trust Archive. Big hair and Christmas jumpers welcome!
Free. Booking essential.
Tours
► The Global Jukebox | Live Aid Tours
Fridays | 2pm | National Photographic Archive, Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 WF85
Free guided tours of the Live Aid exhibition.
No booking required.
Tuilleadh
