Hope Fest 2025!

27/05/2025

Hope Fest 2025 took place on Saturday, 17 May at the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 2.

Hope Fest is a unique annual wellness and music festival dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness in Dublin, run by students and staff of UCD, in collaboration with the Dublin Lions Clubs and over 30 homeless services across Dublin. Each May this meaningful event takes place at the Iveagh Gardens, transforming this space into a haven of joy, wellness and community connection for those who need it most. This year over 40 UCD staff and students volunteered as part of the day long festivities with over 450 guests in attendance with many families and young children present, who were able to avail of a range of services from haircuts, chiropody, first aid, yoga and reiki, while the children’s zone had games, colouring, and balloon making. The event kicked off with live music provided by the UCD Community Choir alongside the Medlife Crisis band. Over 400 hot meals were handed out, kindly sponsored by FoodCloud.

From barbers and yoga to children’s games and live music, HopeFest is a powerful reminder that belonging and joy are for everyone - regardless of circumstance. A heartfelt thank you to our partners and the amazing volunteers that made it happen”. John Sheehy, Dublin Lions Club and Hope Fest committee member.

HopeFest is not only a celebration of music and wellness but also an opportunity to deliver essential services in a relaxed and inclusive environment. The event relies heavily on volunteers including the music, food, wellness services and first aid supports who all make this day a highlight for individuals experiencing homelessness. We are hugely grateful to everyone who gives up their free time and energy each year to make this event possible”. Niamh Byrne, UCD in the Community and Hope Fest committee member

The Hope Fest committee would like to thank all the staff and student volunteers from UCD, Dublin Lions Club, and Tiglin, who gave their time to the event. Special thanks go to Hope Fest partners; FoodCloud for their donation of hot meals, to those who provided the yoga and chiropody services; the UCD Community Choir and Medlife Crisis band; all the companies who provided the infrastructure, to MCR security company; to the Civil Defence for their fantastic contribution, and to An Garda Síochána and the OPW for their continuous support.