Big excitement in Waterford as Booze, Blaas n’ Banter returns to the dockside

The Waterford Council of Trade Unions proudly welcomes back its much-loved early morning highlight of the Imagine Arts festival: Booze, Blaas n’ Banter – a vibrant cultural gathering steeped in local stories, rich social and labour history, and unforgettable musical and poetic performances.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 9am in Jordan’s Bar on the Quay, Waterford.

Running since 2011 and now a firmly rooted tradition, this dockside-inspired event draws its name and soul from the old early house taverns of the Quay—once brimming with dockers, sailors, seafarers, characters, and barstool philosophers. It began as a daring 7am gig during the Tall Ships Festival and continues to grow thanks to the generous support of the Jordan’s team.

This unique hootenanny serves up short labour social history talks, music, poetry, and song, along with complimentary Waterford Blaas (with fillings), tea and coffee, and access to the early sailor’s licence for those who wish to toast the morning.

This year’s Booze, Blaas n’ Banter boasts a rich and diverse lineup of local talent, historians, musicians, poets, and storytellers. Wayne Power returns with his iconic poetry set, while Andrew Doherty will share a historical talk exploring the origins of a well-known Waterford placename. Tom Mullane will bring traditional songs to life, and Cathy Desmond will offer a narrative through Waterford’s Blue Plaques, Jimi Cullen, a protest folk singer from Wexford, will channel the spirit of Woody Guthrie and Billy Bragg with powerful original and collected songs. Frieda Ryan and Petra Kindler, musically supported by Paul Dillion, will present stories from the 19th-century prison in Regional’s Tower.

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Ollie Breslin will perform the nostalgic street gambling games of Pitch and Toss, while Elaine Power will recount Jackie Kennedy’s unexpected visit to Woodstown House. Johnny Codd will deliver a riveting tale linking Wexford, Waterford, Cork, and the Spanish Armada, and Jack Burtchaell will examine whether Kilkenny’s Captain Freney was a Robin Hood or rogue.

Paul O’Brien traces the radical life of Peadar O’Donnell and his deep connections to Waterford’s labour movement. Former members of The Shamrocks, Johnny and Dermot, perform emigration ballads spanning two centuries. Poets Louis Quinlan and Matthew Roche lend their voices to the city’s spirit with poignant verse. Singers in Bana Rua will close the event with a performance of sea shanties.

This eclectic mix of performances, stories, and music promises to make this year’s gathering one of the most memorable yet.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Time: 9:00am – Lunchtime
Venue: Jordan’s on the Quay, Waterford City
Admission: FREE | No booking required | Arrive early—seating fills fast!