British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg 2026

Ballroom Boom

Credits

Country :
Ireland
Year :
2026
Director :
Billy McGrath
Version :
Original English version
Duration :
85 minutes
Format :
digital
Awards :
Galway Film Fleadh 2026
Followed by a Q&A with Billy McGrath (director of the film)

synopsis

U2’s Adam Clayton explores the extraordinary rise and fall of Ireland’s showband era, when over 700 bands and thousands of musicians performed live in ballrooms across Ireland almost every night of the week during the 1960s. 

Showbands were like human jukeboxes. At a time when Ireland was struggling economically and socially, they brought young people together – and their influence can still be felt today.

Billy McGrath, director of the film

The documentary explores the cultural impact of the Irish diaspora in Britain, where emigrant communities helped shape a generation of musical talent, including figures associated with acts such as The Beatles, The Smiths and Oasis.

The Irish Post

Also in this retrospective

Also see

Tuesday 08 September 2026 19:00

Agenda Tickets
Solaris SPACEWALKS

languages : vostEN locations : Théâtre des Capucins