Athlone burlesque festival is back for third consecutive year

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival in returning to Athlone for the third consecutive year this weekend.

Taking place in various locations across the town, including the Dean Crowe Hall, The Venue, and on the Viking boat, the festival is set to run from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14.

As series of events will take place across the weekend, from the Sionnan Spirit Award, The Gala Night where performers are in with a chance to be receive the 'Heart of Ireland' award, and the Viking Boat Cabaret Drag Show Tour.

Attendees will also have the chance to shop local vendors at the Memphis Market across the two nights in the Dean Crowe, including skincare projects, burlesque accessories, and handmade leatherwork by Fabian Crafts, to name a few.

Athlone native Michelle Jinks is the brains behind the festival, and has been performing the art of burlesque under her stage name Miss Memphis Shell since 2017.

"It's a big thing for Athlone and the Midlands, and I'm ecstatic that we're back for the third year. The support from local people the last two years has been incredible," she said.

"We are delighted to be able to continue hosting something so big and glittery in the town. It's the last festival of the summer, and it's been such a good run this year, so we're hoping to go out with a bang!"

The event has received continued support from The Dark Horse, as well as other local businesses Nuts Corner, Arch House B&B, Old Stone Tattoo House, CJ Maintenance, Fabian Crafts, Viking Tours, Dirty Circus Burlesque Cabaret Show, amd Love My Hair.

Performers from across the globe are coming to Ireland to perform at the festival, including last year's title winner Canadian performer Vita Devour, who will pass on her title to the next deserving artist.

Bringing award-winning entertainment to the festival are a host of Irish performers, as well as those from further afield. Artists are travelling from Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and the US especially for the glamourous occasion.

Michelle added: "Aside from our wonderful burlesque performers, we also have fire breathers from Fuego Fatale in Belfast, and an all-womens choir from Galway. On Saturday night, we have Galway drag queen Annie Naggins joining us for the afterparty in The Venue along with a couple of other queens."

Weekend tickets for the festival are available for €40 each, while tickets for individual nights are priced at €25 each.

For more information on the Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival go to: www.heartofirelandburlesquefestival.ie/events-tickets/

Tickets for the Gala Night and the Sionnan Spirit Award night are available at: www.deancrowetheatre.com/dean_event/heart-of-ireland-burlesque-festival-2025/