News

Celebrating 70 years of service, the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce continues to be a proactive and influential voice for local businesses. It champions initiatives that support businesses of all sizes, helping them to prosper in Bray while contributing to the strength of the wider community. To mark seven decades of community leadership, business advocacy and economic development, the Chamber has unveiled its comprehensive 70th Anniversary Communications Campaign. The campaign will culminate in a 70th Anniversary Gala and President’s Dinner on Friday, November 6th 2026, at the Glenview Hotel, Co. Wicklow.

Founded in 1956 by a visionary group of local shopkeepers, hoteliers, and industrial pioneers, the Chamber was established to create a unified advocacy body during a pivotal moment of mid-century economic growth. Over the past 70 years, the organisation has played a vital behind-the-scenes role in shaping North Wicklow’s physical and economic landscape—championing critical infrastructure upgrades, town-centre access improvements, sustainable tourism drives, and commercial enterprise networks.

A major public-facing component of the 70th-anniversary programme is the Chamber Heritage & Archive Project, launched in direct collaboration with the Bray Cualann Historical Society. The initiative seeks to collect, digitise, and preserve seven decades of local commercial social history.

The Chamber is issuing a public appeal to current and former business owners, multi-generational trading families, retired Chamber members, and local residents to submit historical materials, including:

• Historic Photographs: Storefronts, seafront trading, factory floors, and former Chamber networking dinners.
• Commercial Documents: Original membership cards, trade newsletters, early event programmes, and historic newspaper clippings.
• Memorabilia: Vintage print advertisements, shop counter signage, and personal oral history reflections.

Selected archival submissions will be featured in a Commemorative Souvenir Booklet and displayed during an interactive foyer exhibition at the November Gala at the Glenview Hotel.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Jonathan Donnelly, President of the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, stated:

“Seventy years is a remarkable milestone, but this anniversary is about far more than looking back. Celebrating 70 years of service, the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce remains a proactive and influential voice for commerce, championing initiatives that help businesses of all sizes thrive in the vibrant town of Bray while strengthening the wider community.”

“From the pioneer shopkeepers and hotel operators who established our coastal economy in 1956 to the dynamic startups, film production crews, technology firms, and professional service providers operating today, this campaign belongs to the entire community that built Bray. Our theme, 70 Years Advancing Business Together, reflects how collective advocacy protects independent trade while paving the way for future investment.”

“As we launch our archive appeal with the Bray Cualann Historical Society and open ticket sales for our President’s Dinner, we invite every business owner, past leader, and resident across North Wicklow to share their piece of Chamber history and help us shape an ambitious agenda for the next 70 years of local enterprise.”

The anniversary strategy is anchored by four themed pillars designed to engage both legacy enterprises and young entrepreneurs:

1. THEN (1956–2026): Highlighting the founders, past presidents, historic main streets, and landmark civic campaigns that laid Bray’s economic foundation.
2. NOW: Showcasing current Chamber members, independent traders, and ongoing advocacy in town-centre trade and infrastructure.
3. NEXT: Focusing on young entrepreneurs, startup incubators, green business transitions, and the future economic roadmap for North Wicklow.
4. CELEBRATE: Bringing the regional business community together for the Gala & President’s Dinner on 6th November at the Glenview Hotel.

Historical photographs and trade artefacts from businesses or members of the public may be submitted directly to history@braychamber.ie. Reservations are also now open for individual tickets, corporate tables of 10, and corporate sponsorship packages. Interested parties can contact Kathy at the Bray Chamber office by phone at 01 282 8248 or email at info@braychamber.ie.

Explore our dedicated 70th Anniversary Hub, view historical milestones, and more at braychamber.ie/70years

Pictured above (left to right) are Bray and District Chamber of Commerce President Jonathan Donnelly alongside chamber members Patrick George (George Maguire Properties), Michele McNerney (Kilcroney Furniture), Ruth Donnelly (Alpha CC), Kieran Ward (Condor Publishers), Michael O’Brien (Grace Campbell Wines), and Mark Maguire (Maguire McNeice Law).

Event hashtags: #BrayChamber70 #BusinessAdvocacy #TownCentreFirst #WicklowEconomy #AdvancingBusinessTogether

The Bray & District Chamber of Commerce is delighted to launch the 2026 Endeavour Awards, the town’s most prestigious celebration of the individuals, groups, and businesses that make Bray such a vibrant community.

This year marks a momentous occasion for the area, celebrating both 70 years of the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce supporting local business and community, alongside the 45th anniversary of the Endeavour Awards. First established in 1981, the Endeavour Awards have spent four and a half decades shining a light on unsung heroes and exceptional community contributions.

Jonathan Donnelly, President of the Bray & District Chamber, expressed his excitement for this year’s call for nominations: “The Endeavour Awards are a testament to the extraordinary spirit that defines our town. Every year, we see how much passion, generosity, and hard work go into making Bray such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. We are calling on the public to help us identify and celebrate the local heroes—whether in business, sports, volunteering, or community service—who continually elevate our area.”

2026 Endeavour Awards Categories

• Volunteer of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Civic Award
• Community Award
• Lifetime Achievement
• Person of the Year
• Special Recognition Award
• Sports Achievement
• Young Achiever of the Year

Public Vote / Customer Choice Categories

• Hospitality Venue of the Year
• Retailer of the Year
• Service Person of the Year

Nominate Your Local Hero

Members of the public are encouraged to submit nominations to thank those making a genuine impact. You can submit nominations here, email them to info@braychamber.ie, or post them directly to: Bray & District Chamber, Chamber House, 10 Prince of Wales Terrace, Bray, A98 A4X0.

Nominations close on Sunday, September 27th, 2026, and the winners will be honoured at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, at the Mermaid Arts Centre.

For more information, contact the Bray & District Chamber at 01 282 8248 or info@braychamber.ie.

About the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce Endeavour Awards

The Bray & District Chamber of Commerce Endeavour Awards have been a hallmark of community recognition since their inception in 1981. Established to honour individuals, groups, and businesses who have made significant contributions to Bray and the surrounding areas, the awards have grown into a prestigious event that reflects the spirit of civic pride and community excellence. Each year, the public is invited to nominate those who have positively impacted the local community, ensuring that the unsung heroes of Bray are acknowledged and celebrated. Over the decades, the awards have become a symbol of gratitude, highlighting the extraordinary efforts that keep the community vibrant and connected.

Pictured above are the 2025 Endeavour Award recipients. Read more at: https://bray.ie/bray-endeavour-awards-2025-community-stars-honoured-in-gala-ceremony-at-mermaid-arts-centre/

Event hashtags: #BrayEndeavourAwards #BrayHeroes #LoveBray

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, Bray Chamber Executive members were delighted to welcome representatives of the Bray Retailers Group, Liam McGarry and Wessel Badenhorst, to Chamber House.

They shared the findings from their recent Pop-Up Info Hub on Bray Main Street, providing valuable insights into the views and experiences of local businesses and the wider community.

The Chamber Executive itself represents a broad and diverse cross-section of Bray’s business community, including transport, Tourism, IT, Retail, Legal services, Estate agents, the Mermaid Arts Centre, Travel and more. This gives us a valuable and well-balanced perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing our town.

Many of the findings from the Pop-Up Hub aligned closely with issues the Chamber has identified through our own engagement with local businesses — including traffic, Main Street shopfronts, changing retail habits, public transport connections and the Luas.

Most importantly, the meeting highlighted a shared commitment to working together. By bringing the Chamber, retailers and the wider community together, we can ensure Bray’s voice is heard as our rapidly growing town continues to develop.

There is a lot to do, but working together gives us the best opportunity to help shape a vibrant and successful future for Bray.

Photograph of some of the Chamber Executive members in attendance.

Following a spectacular day of live music and fierce competition on Saturday, July 11th, SCAL has officially been named the overall winner of the Battle of the Sounds 2026.

The grand finale saw 10 of the region’s most talented young finalists—spanning an incredible mix of solo artists, duos, and bands—take to the stage in a high-stakes musical showcase live on the Bray Seafront Bandstand. After a series of jaw-dropping performances, an enthusiastic public vote, and intense deliberation from an expert panel of music industry professionals, SCAL emerged victorious to claim the ultimate title. The winning duo is made up of 17-year-olds Ewan MacAdam and James O’Farrell.

This isn’t just a showcase; it’s a career-launching opportunity. For winning the competition, SCAL walks away with an enviable package of incredible prizes designed to elevate their musical journey:

• The Headline Slot: A coveted live performance headlining Worldfest—a brand-new weekend built entirely around music, food, and wellness. SCAL will take the stage live on the bandstand on Sunday, 26th July.
• A Recording Session: Professional studio time in the renowned Camden Recording Studios.
• The Gear: A premium equipment voucher from Everest Music to upgrade their musical setup.
• The Live Gig: A future gig slot at the legendary venue, The Harbour Bar.
• The Exposure: Alongside the ultimate win, finalists will have their tracks featured on the official #SummerInBray Spotify playlist.

The atmosphere throughout the showcase was electric, highlighting the phenomenal depth and diversity of the emerging music scene. While the competition was incredibly tight across every genre, SCAL’s standout performance ultimately captured the hearts of the voters and earned the judges’ praise.

The Grand Final, on Bray’s iconic Bandstand, was a massive success, and it proves that the next generation of musical talent is ready to take over the main stage,” said Kathy O’Toole, event organiser. “Every single one of the 10 finalists brought pure passion, talent, and phenomenal energy to the stage. It made the judges’ final decision incredibly difficult, but it proves that the future of the music scene here is brighter than ever. Huge congratulations to SCAL—they put on a great performance, and we look forward to seeing them again at Worldfest on Sunday, July 26th”.

The 2026 Battle of the Sounds Finalists

A total of 10 outstanding acts qualified for the grand final. In alphabetical order, the competing talent included:

• Alex McClean – Solo Artist
• Back Seat Drivers – Band
• Cedalia – Band
• Compass – Band
• Elsa Jane – Solo Artist
• Josh Cunningham – Solo Artist
• Lauren Coffey – Solo Artist
• Scal – Duo (Winner)
• Silverspoon – Band
• The Only Ones – Duo

The Competition Timeline

The journey to the main stage followed a clear path this summer for the competing acts:

• Applications Open: Monday, 18th May 2026
• Applications Close: Sunday, 15th June 2026
• Live Semi-Final Auditions: Week 22nd – 28th June on the Backstage@duffs
• The Grand Final: Saturday, 11th July 2026 on the Bray Seafront Bandstand

About the Event Partners

Battle of the Sounds 2026 is presented as part of the #SummerInBray festival programme, in association with Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, The Martello, and Everest Music.

The #SummerinBray campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, Bray Municipal District, Wicklow County Council and bray.ie.

Introducing Worldfest 2026

Worldfest is the brand-new pulse of the #SummerInBray season, taking over the promenade on Saturday, 25th and Sunday, 26th of July.

This curated weekend brings a fresh, global energy to the seafront, focusing entirely on Music, Food, and Wellness. Attendees can explore international street food at the Promenade Market, dance to raw global rhythms from live performers, and find total balance with beachfront wellness, alongside the essential thrills of the Seafront Funfair.

Read more at https://bray.ie/worldfest2026/

The Bray & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of its brand-new, fully refreshed website. This marks a significant milestone as the Chamber celebrates its 70th year supporting local business and economic growth.

Reflecting the Chamber’s ethos of “Promoting Business, Supporting the Community,” the new website has been designed with both members and the wider business community in mind. It delivers a fresh, modern look and a dynamic, fully mobile-responsive experience, ensuring seamless access across desktop, tablet, and smartphone devices.

Among the key features of the new platform are a comprehensive Members’ Business Directory, which makes it easier than ever to discover and connect with local enterprises, and a streamlined Online Membership Signup Form, which simplifies the process for new businesses to join the Chamber’s growing network.

The enhanced Events Listing Page offers a better user experience, providing clear, up-to-date information on upcoming networking opportunities, training sessions, and community events. In addition, the website incorporates enhanced accessibility features, ensuring a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all visitors.

Celebrating 70 years of service, the Bray & District Chamber of Commerce remains a proactive and influential voice for commerce, championing initiatives that help businesses of all sizes thrive in the vibrant town of Bray while strengthening the wider community.

There has never been a better time to become part of this growing network. Businesses are invited to join the Chamber by completing the quick and easy Online Membership Form here.

Speaking about the launch, Chamber President Jonathan Donnelly said: “As we mark our 70th year, the launch of our new website represents an important step forward in how we support and connect with our members. This modern, accessible platform reflects our ethos of promoting business while supporting the community, as well as the energy and ambition of Bray’s business network. It will serve as a valuable hub for information, collaboration, and growth, helping businesses to thrive now and into the future.”

As one of Ireland’s favourite seaside towns, Bray is gearing up for an unforgettable season as the official #SummerInBray 2026 campaign bursts into action. Running from June through to September, the seafront transforms into a buzzing hub of live music, cultural events, thrilling family attractions, global food, and beachfront wellness.

This year’s theme—Sun. Fun. A #SummerInBray State of Mind —perfectly bottles that unbeatable holiday feeling where the coast comes alive with colour and celebration. The town is playing host to an epic calendar of events, with the excitement beginning as Beach Yoga Sessions kick off for the summer. Visitors can also stretch their legs and explore the town’s rich history and stunning coastal scenery with the newly established Bray Walking Tours. Free open-air cinema makes a welcome return with Movies by the Bandstand, while the musical heat rises with the live Grand Final of the brand-new Battle of the Sounds youth music competition. The energy continues into a packed line-up of weekend events, including the sizzling Beach BBQ Festival and the newly introduced Worldfest. Finally, the summer peaks with a blockbuster Bank Holiday weekend, featuring the legendary Bray Air Display and culminating in a spectacular, high-octane fireworks display.

From festivals to events, our #SummerInBray Ultimate Guide has got you covered, download it ➜ bray.ie/summer2026/

The #SummerinBray campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, Bray Municipal District, Wicklow County Council and bray.ie. Its goal is to promote tourism products, strengthen the local economy, and create lasting memories for visitors and residents.