Get ready for an unforgettable #SummerinBray! Bray Chamber is thrilled to support a vibrant lineup of events, festivals, and activities showcasing the very best of our beautiful seaside town. From the thrill of live entertainment and family-friendly funfairs to incredible local food, crafts, and community spirit, there is something for everyone along the promenade this season.
Whether you are a local resident or visiting for the weekend, join us in celebrating Summer 2026. Come for the spectacular coastal views, stay for the unbeatable atmosphere, and support our fantastic local businesses!
Programme & Event Highlights
- Battle of the Sounds Final (July 11): Catch the thrilling final of the youth music competition, showcasing incredible rising local talent.
- Bray Beach BBQ Festival (July 18 – 19): Turn up the heat on the seafront with delicious food stalls, great music, and a fantastic summer vibe.
- The Seafront Funfair (July 18 – August 3): Ireland’s favourite seaside funfair returns! Open daily from Noon to 10 pm (closed July 27–28), offering thrilling rides, games, and family fun. Top tip: Head down on Mondays and Fridays for special discounted tickets at the on-site box office!
- Worldfest (July 25 – 26): A brand-new addition to the lineup! This vibrant weekend brings global energy to the promenade, featuring international street food at the Promenade Market, live music from global performers, and beachfront wellness sessions.
- Bray Air Display (August 1): The skies over Bray roar to life for one of Ireland’s biggest and most spectacular free family aviation events, featuring breathtaking aerobatics from Irish and international pilots.
- Spectacular Fireworks Display (August 3): Light up your August Bank Holiday Monday with a stunning fireworks show over the sea to close out the peak of the summer festivities.
- Summer-Long Activities (June – September): Relax and explore all season long with regular morning beach yoga sessions, outdoor cinema nights, historical walking tours, and EcoTrail Wicklow wrapping things up later on September 26.
Plan Your Visit: For the full event schedule, times, parking info, and live updates, keep an eye on bray.ie/summer2026.
The search for the next generation of musical talent has reached its thrilling climax. After an intense week of live semi-final auditions at Backstage@duffs, the judges have made their decisions. An incredible lineup of young talent aged 15–23 is now officially set to take over Bray’s iconic Seafront Bandstand.
As a major highlight of the vibrant #SummerInBray calendar, these exceptionally talented acts are about to perform to a massive live festival crowd.
Meet the 2026 Grand Finalists
The competition is fierce across all genres. Here are the finalists battling it out for the ultimate crown:
| Artist / Group Name |
Category |
| The Only Ones |
Duo |
| Josh Cunningham |
Solo Artist |
| Silverspoon |
Band |
| Cedalia |
Band |
| Elsa Jane |
Solo Artist |
| Lauren Coffey |
Solo Artist |
| Scal |
Duo |
| Compass |
Band |
| Alex McClean |
Solo Artist |
| Back Seat Drivers |
Band |
The Grand Final: When & Where
Mark your calendars and come down to support the finest emerging Irish music talent.
- The Date: Saturday, July 11th 2026
- The Time: 3 pm to 6 pm
- The Venue: Bray Seafront Bandstand
- More information: bray.ie/bots26/
What’s on the Line?
This isn’t just a showcase; it’s a career-launching opportunity. Our finalists will be competing live in front of an esteemed panel of Irish music industry professionals and local music legends for these incredible prizes:
- The Headline Slot: A coveted live performance headlining Worldfest—a brand-new weekend built entirely around music, food, and wellness.
- Studio Time: A professional recording session at the renowned Camden Recording Studios.
- The Gear: A premium equipment voucher from Everest Music to upgrade their setup.
- The Live Gig: A future gig slot at the legendary venue, The Harbour Bar.
- The Exposure: Every finalist will have their tracks featured on the official #SummerInBray Spotify playlist.
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.
Bray has officially become the ultimate destination to experience the true spirit and joy of St. Patrick. The town hosts a spectacular celebration filled with culture, music, and unforgettable family fun. The St. Patrick’s parade stands as one of the largest on the East Coast, featuring over 2,000 participants across more than 40 dynamic groups. This vibrant event serves as a multicultural showcase celebrating the diverse and welcoming community of Bray, with lively contributions from the local Chinese, Filipino, and Brazilian communities.
The festivities extend far beyond the main parade with a packed schedule of 30 completely free events designed for all ages and interests. Visitors can experience a thrilling fun fair, lively music, and an energetic open-air céilí. Throughout the day, attendees can also catch captivating street theatre and puppet shows, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere by exploring the beautiful outdoor walks and scenic trails around Bray.
More information about the upcoming festival lineup will be released in mid-February 2027. To read more about this year’s festival, please see https://bray.ie/stpatricksfestival/.
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.
The 2026 Award ceremony is due to take place on Thursday, October 22nd 2026, at the Mermaid Art Centre. Further details on the public nomination process will be announced in early autumn.
Read more about last year’s Endeavour Awards winners here.
This is a provisional date scheduled for the Bray Town Centre Christmas light switch-on event.
Join us as we celebrate seven decades of supporting local enterprise, community development, and business collaboration in the Bray area. This special gala will bring together members, local leaders, and community partners to celebrate our enduring contribution to Bray’s economic and civic life.
- Date: Friday, 6th November 2026
- Venue: Glenview Hotel, Co. Wicklow
70th Anniversary Heritage & Archival Project
In collaboration with the Bray Cualann Historical Society, the Chamber is launching a heritage and archival project to preserve its history from its founding in 1956 to the present day.
- Get Involved: We invite past presidents, members, and local residents to share materials or memories that may form part of the archive.
- Submission: Contributions can be submitted by emailing history@braychamber.ie or by contacting the Chamber office directly.
Contact & Further Information
- Further information regarding the President’s Dinner will be announced shortly.