23rd & 24th August 2025
Big Bang 2024 marked 30 years since the original Big Bang Festival of Rhythm in 1994 which changed the face of communal drumming in Ireland forever. We were delighted to continue to celebrate the festival with the help of our partners Dublin City Council, Dublin City Council Culture Company, Catherine Young Dance, The African Dance Centre, Gandharva Loka, The National Concert Hall and Slí Na Croí.
the Workshops
the Workshops
In the lead-up to the festival, we’re excited to offer a series of fantastic free workshops starting on July 19th at Richmond Barracks. Come join us and get into the festival spirit early!
FREE
West African Drumming workshops
Led on various weeks by drummers Brian Fleming, Nicolas Severin, as part of the Big Bang Festival of Rhythm, the workshops will start with warm ups and technique tips. They will concentrate on the rhythms of the Mandingue people of West Africa, rhythms made for the popular hand drum, the djembe and the less well known accompanying dun duns.
Children over 12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Limited places, booking essential.
Bookings open 19th of June.
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10.00am to 11.15pm
Saturdays 19th July to 23rd August
Richmond Barracks
FREE
African Dancing
With Catherine Young and Godfred Asare.
Join us for free African Dance workshops with Catherine Young Dance and Godfred Asare of the African Dance Centre, as part of the Big Bang Festival of Rhythm. Every workshop is accompanied by live drumming. Bring water and dress to sweat!
Come earlier at 10am for free drumming workshops.
Children over 12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Limited places, booking essential.
Bookings open 19th of June.
.
11.30am to 1.00pm
Sat 19th July to 23rd Aug 2025
Richmond Barracks
whats on
whats on
23rd and 24th August 2025
24 Aug · Dublin
presents
An introduction to West African percussion with Nicolas Severin and Brian Fleming
Learn West ~ African percussion with with Brian and Nicolas. Bring your own djembe or dundun or learn with ours. Beginning with some basics and moving to intermediate rhythms and phrases over the course of 1 hour, this is a unique opportunity to learn from the best.
10.30am to 11.30am
Sun 24th Aug
National Concert Hall, Dublin
24th Aug
presents
An introduction to Samba Reggae with Masamba
Introduction to Samba Reggae percussion with Masamba, celebrating over 30 years of samba in Dublin! It’s no coincidence that it’s also 31 years since the first Big Bang Festival of Rhythm in 1994 changed forever how Dubliners think about rhythm. Learn to play the drums that drive the Brazilian football team and the carnivals of Rio. Workshop is 1 and a half hours long, with all instruments supplied by Masamba.
10.30 to 12am
Sun 24th Aug
National Concert Hall, Dublin
24th Aug
presents
In conversation with Famoudou Konaté
Join us for an inspiring and insightful one-hour In Conversation session with the legendary Guinean drummer — a rare opportunity to hear stories, wisdom, and rhythms from a true master.
12.30 to 1.30pm
Sun 24th Aug
National Concert Hall, Dublin
24th Aug
presents
Advanced djembe and dundun with Billy Konaté and Barra Ó Flanniagh
Join master drummers Billy Konaté from Guinea and Barra Ó Flanniagh of Sli Na Croí for an exclusive two-hour djembe and dundun masterclass. Dive deep into advanced rhythms and techniques — limited places available!
2pm to 4pm
Sun 24th Aug
National Concert Hall, Dublin
24 Aug · Dublin
presents
Bodhran Workshop
With Junior Davey
Learn to play the bodhran, the heartbeat of Irish music with one of Ireland’s masters; Junior Davey
Bodhrans will be supplied.
PRICE
–
15 euro
4.30pm to 6pm
Sun 24th Aug
National Concert Hall
presents
Famoudou Konaté and Billy Konaté with Anitchie and Slí Na Croí
An unforgettable evening of powerful music as legendary masters Famoudou Konaté and Billy Konaté join forces with Anitchie and Slí Na Croí — expect high energy, deep rhythms, and a truly electrifying experience!
PRICE
–
TBD
8pm to 10pm
Sun 24th Aug
Whelans, Dublin
AFRICAN
DANCE
CENTRE
