The Sunday Independent’s Rock Against Homelessness in aid of Focus Ireland will take place on Friday 26th May at 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin.
Rock Against Homelessness in aid of Focus Ireland
Headlined & curated by Lyra Featuring Aimée, Toshin, Pastiche, Bobbi Arlo, Jack O’Rourke with MayKay, and Isaac Butler with MC. Laura Whitmore
Proudly sponsored by Cadbury, Arachas Insurance and Hard Rock Cafe
The Sunday Independent’s Rock Against Homelessness in aid of Focus Ireland returns for its eighth year on May 26th in the 3Olympia Theatre with a stellar line-up of Irish talent. Headlined and curated by singer-songwriter Lyra, she will be joined by Aimée, Toshin, Pastiche, Bobbi Arlo, Isaac Butler, and Jack O’Rourke with MayKay. The MC on the night will be media sensation Laura Whitmore. The show promises to be one to remember, courtesy of some the most electrifying talent to emerge from Ireland in recent years, and all for a cause that is close to all our hearts.
Lyra will play a full set on the night which is bound to be a stormer. She said, “You would think in 2023 we would be able to provide people with a basic human right, the right to safety and security. Many a night I have walked through the streets seeing people sleeping in doorways trying to protect themselves from the harsh Irish weather and wondered where is the help? Thank God for charities like Focus Ireland as without them, I fear the worst. We as a nation need to be the voices for our fellow human beings who have lost everything.”
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan echoes this sentiment. “It is really shocking to see that homelessness has shot up 30% in the last year to a new record total of 11,632 and it’s shameful that nearly 3,500 of these are children,” he said. “Most lost their homes in the rental sector due to rocketing rents, landlords leaving the market, and the pressure due to the rising cost of living crisis. Events like Rock Against Homelessness - which has raised a much-needed €170,000 for Focus since the first concert in 2016 - help to bring hope to people while also raising funds so Focus Ireland can support people while they are homeless and help them to eventually secure a home. This major event also brings hope to people who are homeless as it shows them that people care about them and want to help.”
