Dublin hosts 12,000 homeless people, making up 70 per cent of the national total of 17,885 individuals in emergency accommodation as the Christmas Eve Busk returns.
The annual Christmas Eve Busk on Grafton Street is returning to Dublin this winter. It carries forward a tradition established by the late musician Glen Hansard 15 years ago.
Organizers confirmed that the charity event will proceed following Hansard’s death in July at age 56 following a motorcycle crash in Dublin. Performing artists scheduled for Grafton Street include Mundy, Danny O’Reilly, and Imelda May. They are continuing the musical tradition outside the Gaiety Theatre in support of people experiencing homelessness.
The event first began in 2010 as a spontaneous sing-song on Grafton Street. It evolved into an organized gathering outside the Gaiety Theatre.
Over the years, the festive undertaking has welcomed numerous prominent performers. Bono, Damien Rice, Dermot Kennedy, Sinéad O’Connor, and Lisa Hannigan took part.
“It’s a particularly poignant time for us this year. Obviously, his passing during the year was incredibly impactful for us all,” said Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland.
Kenny said the musicians coming together show a dedication to raising awareness. They share the belief that change is possible.
“And showing that there’s still a dedication to raising that awareness, but also the true belief that homelessness isn’t inevitable and that, by coming together, change is possible,” Kenny said.
According to figures referenced by the Dublin Simon Community, there are 17,885 people residing in emergency accommodation nationwide. Dublin accounts for 70 per cent of the national homeless total, amounting to about 12,000 people as local agencies handle heavy operational pressure.
“Really, at a time at Christmas when most of us think about warmth and home and being with the people we love, but for the people behind those numbers experiencing homelessness, they don’t have that sense of safety and security,” Kenny said.
Over the years, the Christmas Eve Busk has raised more than €1 million for the charity. Funds go directly to frontline services supporting people sleeping rough, those living in temporary accommodation, and people at risk of losing their homes.
“All that money goes directly to the services and to the people who are experiencing homelessness,” Kenny said.
Half of the proceeds go to the Dublin Simon Community. The album unites the legacy of MacGowan, a long-time supporter of the charity, with Hansard’s driving force behind the busk.
To support the Dublin Simon Community charity auction, upwards of 200 well-known figures and Irish creators are contributing original pieces of art and autographed goods. Aidan Gillen, Imelda May, The Corrs, and Bono participate.
Further seasonal events leading up to the holidays include the Sing for Simon concert at the Helix on 6 December. A Dublin Simon Community Christmas art auction and a Carolathon on 14 December also take place.