News

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.

Summer starts here with an epic lineup of thrilling festivals, high-energy events, and non-stop activities guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained, including:

• Big band classics return to the iconic seafront bandstand as Sunday Summer Sounds takes over selected Sundays in June, July, August and early September. Full listings at bray.ie/events/
• Get your summer dose of giggles! The Hardy Har Comedy Club returns to The Harbour Bar for select Thursday nights of non-stop laughs. Updates at facebook.com/HardyHarComedyClub/
• Kickstart your Saturdays with Beach Yoga, brought to you by The Martello and Balanced Hearts! Sessions take place from 8 am to 9 am on selected dates throughout June, July, August, and September.
• Mermaid Arts Centre offers a summer full of unforgettable drama, live music, comedy, visual arts, and more. Check out what’s on at mermaidartscentre.ie/whats-on/all
• The Bray Rowing Club Annual Regatta hits the water on Saturday, June 27th. Updates at facebook.com/BrayRowingClub
• The new Battle of the Sounds youth music competition grand final takes place on the Seafront Bandstand on Saturday, July 11th
• Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 2nd and Thursday, July 16th, as the Movies by the Bandstand series returns
• Buzz at the Bandstand by Bray Arts showcases community diversity through dance. It features Indonesian, African, Indian, Argentinian, and Irish dancers, along with the Azure Roots Band on Sunday, July 5th, from 1 pm at the Seafront Bandstand
• The Enchanted Garden: A Summer Storytelling Celebration at Killruddery – Sunday, July 5th. Book at killruddery.com/products/fairy-tale-day
• Missed the first splash? The Aquathon Series, organised by Wicklow Triathlon Club, continues on Wednesday, 8th July and Wednesday, 5th August! Read more at wicklowtri.com/races/aquathon-series/
• Balally Players Present: Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy Of Errors’ at Killruddery – Thursday, July 9th. And Friday, July 10th. Book at killruddery.com/products/balally-players-present-shakespeares-comedy-of-errors
• Summer isn’t complete without a trip to the Seafront Funfair. Thrill-seekers can catch the action daily from noon to 10 pm, starting Saturday, July 18th, right through to the Bank Holiday Monday, August 3rd – closed on Monday, July 27th, and Tuesday, July 28th
• Sizzle into summer at the Beach BBQ Festival on Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th, from 11 am to 7 pm. Read more at beachbbqfestival.com
• The inaugural Worldfest offers a fresh weekend experience centred around music, food, and wellness on Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th
• Chrome Classic Car & Bike Show – Sunday, July 26th, from 11 am to 4 pm. The event features a diverse display of classic cars and motorcycles for enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy. Read more information and learn how to register a car or bike at chrometheclassiccarshow.com
• Get ready for take-off as the spectacular Bray Air Display returns to the skies on Saturday, August 1st. Read more at brayairdisplay.com
• Signal Arts Centre hosts its 14th Annual ‘Signal Open’ Exhibition from Monday, August 3rd to Saturday, August 16th, showcasing a vibrant collection of contemporary artwork from both emerging and established artists. Read more at signalartscentre.ie/exhibitions/signal-open-2026/
• Summer skies ignite: Epic fireworks and live beats to light up Bray Seafront – August 3rd – Bank Holiday Monday. Proudly backed by The Martello Hotel, Bray
• Capture the beauty of the coast at Signal Arts Centre’s Plein Air Bray 2026 on Saturday, August 15th and Saturday, August 16th, a vibrant outdoor painting weekend along the seafront featuring expert artist workshops and an exhibition! Book at signalartscentre.ie/exhibitions/signal-arts-centre-plein-air-bray/
• Wicklow Outdoors Week focuses on encouraging people to try outdoor activities and connect with outdoor recreation clubs across the county, taking place from Monday, August 10th to Sunday, August 16th. Get updates at wicklowlsp.ie
• End of summer Garden Party at Killruddery – Sunday, August 16th, from 10 am until 3 pm. Read more at killruddery.com/products/killruddery-end-of-summer-garden-party-copy
• National Heritage Week – Saturday, August 15th to Sunday, August 23rd, celebrating Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage. Get involved and read more at heritageweek.ie
• Unleash your inner warrior at Hell & Back, returning to Killruddery on Saturday, September 19th. Book at hellandback.ie
• EcoTrail Wicklow returns on Saturday, September 26th. The event starts and finishes on the vibrant Bray Seafront, offering 10km, 19km, 30km, 46km, and 80km routes. Full details are available at wicklow.ecotrail.com/.

Dive Deeper Into the #SummerInBray Lineup: Your Ultimate Event Guide

Soundtrack to your Sunday: Big band classics return to the Seafront Bandstand

Sunday Summer Sounds returns to Bray’s iconic Victorian seafront bandstand and will take place on select Sundays throughout the summer, featuring big band performances from the Airport Police and Fire Service Band, the Bray Concert Band, and many others. Performances start at 2:30 pm but may vary, so please check bray.ie’s socials for weekly updates.

Sunday Summer Sounds schedule:

• June 21st – Bray Concert Band
• June 28th – Airport Fire Police & Fire Service Band
• July 5th – Bray Arts Buzz Performance at 1 pm, followed by St. George’s Brass Band
• July 12th – Navan Silver Band
• August 9th – Steadfast Band
• August 16th – Blanchardstown Brass Band
• August 23rd – Communication Workers Band
• August 30th – St. James Brass & Reed Band
• September 6th – Bray Concert Band
• September 13th – Airport Fire Police & Fire Service Band

Make a splash: The Aquathon Series returns for a three-part summer challenge

The Aquathon Series is a multi-sport event featuring a 750m sea swim followed by a 5km run. The first event took place on Wednesday, June 10th, followed by events on Wednesday, July 8th, and Wednesday, August 5th. More information is available at https://www.wicklowtri.com/races/aquathon-series/.

Revitalise by the waves: Free Beach Yoga returns

Kickstart your summer mornings by connecting with nature as The Martello and Balanced Hearts team up to bring you Free Beach Yoga on Bray’s iconic seafront. Sessions take place from 8 am to 9 am on selected dates throughout June, July, August, and September.

Set against Bray’s coastline, each session offers a peaceful space to stretch, strengthen, and centre yourself. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, these uplifting sessions are designed to leave you feeling completely refreshed and energised.

To join, simply register online on Eventbrite and arrive with your yoga mat, towel, water, and an open mind. Please note that the Eventbrite sign-up link will only become active one week before each event.

Next-gen noise: Battle of the Sounds launches

Turn up the volume for 2026 with the launch of Battle of the Sounds, an exciting new youth music competition offering solo artists, singers, rappers, and bands aged 15–23 an incredible platform to perform in front of a live festival crowd. Young musicians have until Monday, 15th June, to enter and follow in the footsteps of famous artists who have graced Bray’s historic stages. After an initial digital review process and live semi-final auditions, the ultimate showdown will culminate in a spectacular Grand Final on Saturday, 11th July, where the top acts will battle it out live on the iconic Bray Seafront Bandstand.

Musicians can apply online via the official festival hub at bray.ie/bots26/.

Cinema under the stars: Movies by the Bandstand returns this July!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 2nd and Thursday, July 16th as the Movies by the Bandstand series returns.

It’s completely FREE to attend, and no booking is required. Just bring along your deckchairs, a few blankets, and your snacks. Don’t forget to stop by local shops to stock up first—#ShopLocalFirst!

There will be two screenings each evening at 6 pm and 8:30 pm. Keep a close eye on bray.ie’s social channels over the coming weeks, as we’ll be announcing the movie lineup there. Screenings depend on the weather and can change without notice, so do check social media on the day.

Summer isn’t complete without a trip to the Seafront Funfair!

The bumpers, games, and stalls are returning to Bray from Saturday, July 18th, right through to Bank Holiday Monday, August 3rd*.

Open daily from Noon until 10 pm for a brilliant day out by the sea. (Just a heads up: the team takes a breather on Monday, July 27th and Tuesday, July 28th, so the fair will be closed on those two days).

Top tip: Head down Monday and Friday to pick up special discounted tickets at the on-site box office!

Sizzling food and summer vibes: The Beach BBQ Festival returns

Summer’s beach party is BACK! Beach BBQ Festival is set to bring the summer festival vibe once more. This family-friendly event takes place along the seafront. Enjoy an incredible selection of activities, featuring a funfair, demos, games, DJ sets, and delicious food trucks during the weekend of July 18th and 19th. Soak up the lively outdoor atmosphere from 11 am to 7 pm each day.

Get the festival lowdown at beachbbqfestival.com.

Introducing Worldfest

Worldfest is the brand-new addition to the #SummerInBray line-up, taking over the promenade on Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th, from early morning to late evening. This specially designed weekend brings a fresh, global energy to the seafront, focusing on music, food, and wellness. Visitors can look forward to live music from global performers, international street food at the Promenade Market, and beachfront wellness sessions, alongside the Seafront Funfair.

Learn more at bray.ie/worldfest2026.

Chrome Classic Car & Bike Show rolls into Bray Seafront

The Chrome Classic Car & Bike Show parks up at the Bray seafront on Sunday, July 26th, running on the final day of Worldfest, meaning visitors can enjoy the vintage vehicles alongside the festival’s international food market and funfair. From 11 am to 4 pm, visitors can view an impressive display of vintage vehicles, including beautifully restored classics and rare, unique models.

Read more at chrometheclassiccarshow.com.

Sky-high thrills: Bray Air Display set to supercharge the #SummerInBray 2026 lineup

Get ready for take-off as the spectacular Bray Air Display returns to the skies on Saturday, August 1st, bringing an incredible line-up of aviation talent to the seafront for one of Ireland’s biggest free family festivals. This year’s event promises an unforgettable show, featuring vintage classics, daring aerobatic acts, and solo pilots.

The excitement continues on the ground from noon, with the seafront buzzing with activities. Building on last year’s success, the “Future of Flight” Tech Zone returns to showcase cutting-edge drone technology. Visitors can also check out the Irish Defence Forces’ static display and view an impressive collection from the Model Aeronautics Council of Ireland. The Seafront Funfair, a bustling Food and Craft Village, and helicopter rides over Bray Head complete the line-up before the main air display takes to the skies at 3 pm sharp.

With large crowds expected, visitors are encouraged to choose greener travel options such as public transport, cycling, or car-sharing. Everyone is advised to arrive in Bray before 2 pm. Check out the event’s comprehensive website at brayairdisplay.com for everything you need to know, including practical advice on how to get to Bray, pre-booking parking, shuttle bus arrangements, accessibility details and more.

Summer skies ignite: Epic fireworks and live beats to light up Bray Seafront

Get ready for the ultimate summer night out as the night sky over the coast erupts into a spectacular canopy of colour on Bank Holiday Monday, August 3rd! This isn’t just any fireworks show—Rocket Pyrotechnics Ireland is bringing a jaw-dropping, high-octane production to the seafront opposite the Bandstand, packing thousands of explosive effects, massive fireballs, and flame units into one unforgettable performance.

Proudly backed by The Martello Hotel, Bray, the party kicks off long before the first rocket launches. Turn up early to catch East Coast FM’s Rob & Laura broadcasting live from 8 pm, pumping up the crowd and spinning tracks to build the festival energy.

Plus, East Coast Radio listeners have the chance to win the ultimate VIP experience—pushing the big red button to launch the entire fireworks display into the air!

The spectacular prize package also includes a “Born In Bray” food voucher, funfair wristbands, and Marine Life Aquarium passes, all for a family of four. Tune into Freshly Squeezed for more information on how to enter. Then, just after 10 pm, look to the skies as the massive display fires up, perfectly synchronised to an epic summer soundtrack.

Essential Fireworks Travel Advice

With a high volume of visitors expected, everyone is strongly encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport to help minimise congestion. Parking throughout the town is strictly limited, so please avoid illegal parking as it causes serious traffic delays, inconveniences residents, and blocks vital access for emergency vehicles.

To ensure a smooth and safe evening for everyone, please arrive early to secure your spot and consider staggering your journey home. Heavy congestion is expected immediately after the display, so your patience and cooperation with event stewards is greatly appreciated.

Autumn Adventure Awaits: EcoTrail Wicklow 2026

Bringing a thrilling finish to the season, EcoTrail Wicklow returns on Saturday, September 26th. Though taking place in the autumn, this premier eco-responsible trail running event starts and finishes on the vibrant Bray Seafront, offering 10km, 19km, 30km, 46km, and 80km routes. Runners will traverse spectacular landscapes from Bray Head to the Wicklow Way, proving that the excitement in Bray extends beautifully into the autumn months. Full details are available at wicklow.ecotrail.com/.

Stay connected and don’t miss a thing!

From festivals to events, the #SummerInBray Ultimate Guide has got you covered! You can download it by visiting bray.ie/summer2026. All events and activities are subject to change without notice and may depend on the weather. Be sure to stay up to date by following bray.ie on X, Fa­­­cebook or on Instagram.

There’s plenty to keep you busy between events, too, as Bray is packed with incredible experiences you can’t get anywhere else. You can explore things to see and do, eat and drink, find places to stay and more. Simply head over to the award-winning bray.ie and start to plan your visit.

Opportunity Awaits: Vendor & Brand Activation Space Now Open

Artisan Events manages the Food, Craft and Brand Village for the #SummerInBray festivals and events. If potential vendors or those interested in brand activations have any questions, please visit artisanevents.ie or call +353 1 4969883.

Travel Advice

As with all large-scale national festivals and events, some level of disruption is to be expected due to the high volume of visitors expected in Bray. To help minimise congestion and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, festival-goers are strongly encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport where possible.

Limited paid parking is available along Bray Seafront, and those travelling by car should make use of designated town centre car parks, including Herbert Road, Bray Central or Carlisle Grounds. Please avoid illegal parking, which can cause serious traffic delays, inconvenience residents, and obstruct emergency vehicle access.

Whether you’re on foot, on two wheels, or using public or private transport, we advise planning your route in advance, arriving early, parking responsibly, and staggering your departure time to avoid peak crowds.

For detailed travel information and directions, visit bray.ie/directions/.

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.