DROGHEDA
SONGWRITING
FESTIVAL
sunday 28 September 2025
9:30am - 9pm
droichead arts centre
the second annual
a day of inspiration, collaboration and creation for songwriters of all levels!
A whole morning of workshops!
Each workshop focuses on a different aspect of the craft
Run by experienced mentors
Provides new inspiration and ideas for your songwriting
Q&A hosted by Charlie McGettigan!
This year’s Q&A will be with HamsandwicH, one of Irelands biggest musical exports of the last 20 years!
HamsandwicH will spill the beans on their creative process to Charlie McGettigan, followed by an acoustic performance by the group.
Spaces provided for songwriting!
collaborate & network with other participants
create something new and exciting
participants will be encouraged to perform their days’ creations at the evening’s gala concert!
so, what will my participation at the festival look like?
On the day, make sure you’re early to ensure prompt commencements of the various events.
If you play an instrument and use it as part of your songwriting process, be sure to bring it along!
During the time you’re not attending a Q&A or workshop, there will be spaces provided for you to sit and create. We strongly encourage co-writing with others at the festival, both as a way to discover more about songwriting and to build your network.
Workshop mentors will circulate throughout the day to act as a sounding board for those who need an external pair of ears.
There’ll be opportunities to perform some of the day’s creations at the gala concert at the end of the festival.
Featured Songwriters
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One of the most enthralling live acts in recent times, HamsandwicH are well known for their incendiary live performances which has put them right at the top of the live acts to see today. With the combination of Niamh Farrell's powerful yet sweet vocal and Podge McNamee's juxstaposing baritone the band are given it's signature calling card. If ever there was a band to feed off their audience it is HamsandwicH. Each show is bona fide celebration with everything from balloons and confetti to their unique crowd interaction on display.t
Live Q&A and Performance hosted by
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Charlie has worked with artists like Maura O’Connell and Eleanor Shanley who both recorded many of his songs including “Feet of a Dancer”, “A Bed for the Night” and “If Anything Happened to You”.
Charlie joined forces with Paul Harrington and Brendan Graham to win the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland with “Rock n Roll Kids”. He has released many solo albums including “In Your Old Room”, “Family Matters” “ The man from 20” and “Stolen Moments” produced in Nashville by legendary producer Bil Vorndick.
Charlie’s songs have been recorded by many artists including De Danann, Mary and Frances Black, Ray Lynam, Daniel O’Donnell, Sandy Kelly and Hal Ketchum to name but a few.
These days Charlie tours both here in Ireland and abroad. He presents “The Saturday Connection” on Shannonside/Northern Sound Radio, a two hour programme where he previews live music and theatrical events, interviews guests from the world of arts and entertainment and plays an eclectic mix of music and song on CD.