Max HeyraudLast year, Body & Soul Festival canceled its 2024 edition, marking the first voluntary pause in its two-decade history.
Now, it appears to be making a return in a new format under the name A.Wake, running from August 16–18. Announcing the shift, organisers stated, “The festival is no more. A wake will take place to honor its memory.”
Body & Soul’s statement last year read saying “hitting pause on this year’s Body & Soul Festival“. The festival was anticipated to take place in June of 2024, but due to unknown circumstances, they were not going forward but it seems they’re back, but perhaps in a very different format.
On their most recent post, they wrote “A final gathering. A new beginning.”, hinting that this may be the final iteration from the team, although under a new name. “A.Wake” is obviously a play on a wake following death, but who knows what that means for a gathering, but it does give the impression this would be a send-off for Body & Soul.
Body & Soul Festival has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s festival circuit for two decades, transforming the scenic grounds of Ballinlough Castle, County Westmeath, into a haven of music, art, and culture. Known for its intimate atmosphere and community-led ethos, the festival has consistently sold out, welcoming a diverse lineup of artists that spans electronic, experimental, and alternative sounds. Past editions have featured performances from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Jon Hopkins, Solange, and Modeselektor.
