Big 80s and 90s Night - Live at the Square, Derry

If you were there the first time round for ABC, Marc Almond, or Chesney Hawkes, this is a proper night out rather than a nostalgia trip - live performances of the actual songs, from artists who made them, in one of the best outdoor settings in the north of Ireland. The Big 80s and 90s Night is the closing event of the Live at the Square bank holiday weekend at Ebrington Square, and it draws a crowd that knows every word. It suits anyone who grew up with a Now That’s What I Call Music cassette in their bedroom, and equally anyone who just wants a warm August evening with great tunes and a good atmosphere.

What to expect

Five acts across the evening, doors from 6pm. ABC, led by Martin Fry, bring the new wave polish that made “The Look of Love” and “Poison Arrow” era-defining. Marc Almond - best known as the voice behind Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” - has had a long career in his own right and always delivers as a live performer. Chesney Hawkes, whose “The One and Only” became one of the most recognisable singles of the early 90s, is a regular on the nostalgia circuit and consistently good value. Basshunter brings the eurodance end of the bill with floor-filling energy, and Ciaran Gribbin - who fronted INXS for a stretch - covers the Australian rock side of the decade. The organisers encourage dressing up in 80s attire, so expect neon, shoulder pads, and a fair amount of hairspray in the crowd. Ebrington Square holds around 5,000 people outdoors, so the scale feels like a proper concert rather than a pub gig.

Getting there

Derry is roughly 1 hour 20 minutes from Belfast by road on the A6, and about 3 hours from Dublin via the M1/A1. Translink operates regular bus and rail services from Belfast - the Derry train runs from Belfast Great Victoria Street and takes around 2 hours 10 minutes. From the city centre, Ebrington Square is on the east bank of the River Foyle and is an easy 10-minute walk across the Peace Bridge from Guildhall Square. There is parking near the square at Ebrington itself, though for a sold-out concert evening it fills fast - arriving by bus or walking from city-centre parking tends to be simpler.

While you’re in Derry

The bank holiday Sunday gives you the whole day before doors open at 6pm, which is plenty of time to walk the city walls, take in the Guildhall or catch the Museum of Free Derry on Glenfada Park. There is more to see in Derry and across Co. Derry.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 30 August 2026, doors 6pm
• Venue: Ebrington Square, Derry - outdoor, capacity 5,000
• Tickets: £55 via liveatthesquare.com; weekend passes also available
• Closing night of the three-night Live at the Square bank holiday weekend
• Dress code: 80s attire encouraged but not required
• Flat outdoor site - suitable for most mobility levels, though check with the organiser for accessibility details