News

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.