DUG Headlines Féile MOTH 2026 Hackney Lineup 2026

Key Points

• DUG, the Dublin-based duo consisting of Conor O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett, have been announced as the first act for Féile MOTH 2026.
• The festival, celebrating Irish music and culture, returns to Hackney, London, from June 24–28, 2026.
• DUG will perform at the MOTH Club on Thursday, June 25, 2026, with tickets available via Dice.fm.
• DUG released their acclaimed debut album Have At It! via Claddagh Records last year.
• The duo are currently nominated for the Choice Music Prize Irish Breakthrough Artist category, with the winner to be announced at Vicar Street on March 5, 2026.
• Féile MOTH launched over the May bank holiday weekend in 2024, featuring acts such as The Pogues, Andy Irvine, Martin Hayes, Junior Brother, John Francis Flynn, Brigid Mae Power, and Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly.
• The 2024 event took place between the MOTH Club and Hackney Empire.
• Broadside Hacks, a London-based collective, label, and promoter, announced the festival’s return online, stating more announcements are expected in coming weeks.

Hackney, London (East London Times) February 19, 2026 – DUG, the acclaimed Dublin duo of Conor O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett, have been confirmed as the first act for the return of Féile MOTH 2026, the London festival celebrating Irish music and culture, set for June 24–28 at venues across Hackney.

The announcement highlights the growing anticipation for the event, which builds on the success of its 2024 debut. DUG, fresh off releasing their debut album Have At It! via Claddagh Records last year, will headline a show at the MOTH Club on Thursday, June 25. Tickets for the performance are already available through Dice.fm.

As reported by Hotpress in their music coverage, the festival promises a vibrant lineup centred on Irish heritage in the heart of East London. Broadside Hacks, the London-based collective, label, and promoter behind the event, shared the news on Instagram this afternoon, writing:

“We are excited to announce Féile MOTH’s return across various venues in Hackney in June 2026. Keep your eyes peeled for more announcements over the coming weeks…”.

What Is Féile MOTH and Why Does It Matter?

Féile MOTH positions itself as a cornerstone for Irish music and culture in London, bridging communities in Hackney’s vibrant cultural scene. Launched over the May bank holiday weekend in 2024, the inaugural edition drew significant crowds to the MOTH Club and neighbouring Hackney Empire.

The 2024 festival showcased an impressive array of talent, including legendary acts like The Pogues, folk icon Andy Irvine, fiddler Martin Hayes, rising star Junior Brother, singer-songwriter John Francis Flynn, Brigid Mae Power, and the duo of Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly. These performances underscored the festival’s commitment to both established and emerging Irish artists, as detailed in Hotpress’s initial coverage.

For 2026, organisers plan to expand across various Hackney venues, maintaining the intimate yet electric atmosphere that defined the debut. Broadside Hacks’ statement emphasises continuity, positioning the event as a staple in London’s Irish diaspora calendar.

Who Are DUG and What Have They Achieved?

DUG, comprising Conor O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett, hail from Dublin and have quickly risen as a force in Irish music. Their debut album Have At It!, released last year through the storied Claddagh Records – known for championing traditional and contemporary Irish sounds – has garnered critical acclaim.

Hotpress spotlighted the duo’s profile, noting their innovative blend that resonates with festival-goers. Currently, DUG are in contention for the Choice Music Prize in the Irish Breakthrough Artist category. The winner will be revealed at Vicar Street on March 5, 2026, adding further prestige to their Moth Club slot.

As per Hotpress’s nominee announcement coverage, DUG’s nomination reflects industry recognition of their potential. Their performance on June 25 at the MOTH Club – tickets accessible via Dice.fm/event/k69q6o-dug-file-moth-25th-jun-moth-club-london-tickets – marks a key moment for fans eager to witness their live energy.

When and Where Will Féile MOTH 2026 Take Place?

The festival spans five days, from Wednesday, June 24, to Sunday, June 28, 2026, transforming Hackney into a hub of Irish artistry. Central to the event is the MOTH Club, where DUG will take the stage on Thursday, June 25.

While specific venue details for other acts remain forthcoming, Broadside Hacks confirmed the action will spread across multiple Hackney spots, echoing the 2024 model that paired the MOTH Club with Hackney Empire. This multi-venue approach enhances accessibility and variety for attendees.

Hotpress reported the dates precisely, aligning with Broadside Hacks’ Instagram post from this afternoon. Early ticket grabs for DUG’s show suggest high demand, urging prospective attendees to act swiftly.

How Did Féile MOTH Launch in 2024?

Féile MOTH burst onto the scene over the 2024 May bank holiday weekend, rapidly establishing itself as a must-attend for Irish culture enthusiasts in London. The event’s dual-venue setup at MOTH Club and Hackney Empire hosted a lineup blending tradition and modernity.

Standouts included The Pogues’ enduring punk-folk legacy, Andy Irvine’s masterful mandolin work, Martin Hayes’ emotive fiddle solos, Junior Brother’s raw songwriting, John Francis Flynn’s haunting ballads, Brigid Mae Power’s ethereal vocals, and Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly’s percussive innovation. Hotpress captured this eclectic mix, crediting it for the festival’s immediate impact.

The 2024 success laid the groundwork for 2026, with Broadside Hacks leveraging that momentum. Their online declaration today signals confidence in replicating – and surpassing – the debut’s triumphs.

What Makes DUG a Perfect Fit for the Lineup?

DUG’s selection as the inaugural 2026 act aligns seamlessly with Féile MOTH’s ethos. Conor O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett’s duo dynamic delivers punchy, genre-defying sets that echo the festival’s spirit of bold Irish expression.

Their Claddagh Records-backed album Have At It! explores fresh sonic territories, earning praise for its authenticity and edge. Hotpress linked to the duo’s profile, underscoring their rising trajectory ahead of the Choice Music Prize.

Performing at MOTH Club – a venue synonymous with intimate gigs – on June 25 positions DUG to captivate. With nominations boosting their profile, this slot could propel them further, as anticipated by industry watchers.

Which Choice Music Prize Nomination Boosts DUG’s Profile?

DUG’s nod for Irish Breakthrough Artist at the Choice Music Prize underscores their breakout status. Hotpress announced the nominees, highlighting the category’s role in spotlighting new talent.

The prize ceremony at Vicar Street on March 5, 2026, will crown a winner, potentially catapulting DUG if victorious. This accolade, amid their Féile MOTH booking, amplifies their visibility on both Irish and London stages.

As reported by Hotpress, the nomination follows Have At It!‘s release, validating the duo’s artistry.

What Role Does Broadside Hacks Play?

Broadside Hacks, a multifaceted London-based collective, label, and promoter, spearheads Féile MOTH. Their Instagram post today –

“We are excited to announce Féile MOTH’s return across various venues in Hackney in June 2026. Keep your eyes peeled for more announcements over the coming weeks…”

ignited the buzz, as covered by Hotpress.

This entity curates the festival’s vision, from artist selection to venue logistics. Their involvement ensures a Hackney-rooted authenticity, fostering Irish-London cultural ties.

When Can Fans Expect More Lineup News?

Broadside Hacks teased forthcoming reveals in their announcement. Hotpress echoed this, advising followers to stay tuned over the coming weeks.

With DUG setting the tone, additional acts could mirror 2024’s diversity. The June 24–28 window provides ample buildup for progressive drops.

Why Is Hackney the Ideal Host for Féile MOTH?

Hackney’s multicultural fabric, particularly its Irish community, makes it a natural home. Venues like MOTH Club and Hackney Empire offer perfect acoustics and atmospheres.

The area’s East London energy complements the festival’s vibrancy, drawing locals and visitors alike.