Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival to Mark 10th Anniversary with Healing sounds and Solidarity for Palestine
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Cork, Ireland – The internationally acclaimed Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) festival returns to Cork City this September 11th-14th, celebrating a decade of innovative arts programming with a unique blend of music, dance, literature, theatre, film, and conversation. This year’s edition, curated by a distinguished group including Bryce Dessner, Billy MagFhloinn, Cillian Murphy, Max Porter, and Mary Hickson, will center around themes of healing, community, and global solidarity.
A Decade of Collaboration and Creative Exploration
The festival, known for its immersive and collaborative spirit, has been shaped by months of discussion among artists and organizers. According to co-founder Mary Hickson, the process began with a focus on the River Lee and the iconic Shandon Bells of Cork. “All of these things are presented as an invitation to the artists – not to prescribe what might happen when the artists arrive and begin to work together,” Hickson explained,emphasizing the festival’s commitment to organic artistic development.
This year’s SFSH25 builds on that foundation, aiming to foster a sense of community through shared creative experiences. The collaborative space is designed to encourage “blue sky thinking” and allow ideas to evolve organically, resulting in a dynamic and unpredictable program.
The Healing Power of Sound and a Call for Peace
The festival’s Opening Ritual will explore the concept of IMBAS – a conventional Irish understanding of inspiration and creativity linked to water – and its connection to sound. Inspired by research into the healing frequencies found in Jon Hopkins’ Ritual record, organizers tested the tones of the Shandon Bells and discovered that Bells 2 and 7 contain Solfeggio frequencies.
A central campaign will focus on Bell 7, emitting a frequency of 174hz – considered a “healing frequency” – with an undertone of 639hz, associated with the heart chakra. In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, the festival will partner with Rev Meghan Farr and St. Anne’s Church to ring the bell for peace and raise funds for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in support of Palestine.
“We ring the bell for peace in solidarity with the people of Gaza. From Cork City, in mourning, with love.Free Palestine,” reads a meditation penned by Max Porter,to be recited by those who participate in ringing the bell. The campaign will run from September 8th-14th, inviting the public to climb the tower and contribute to the resonant call for peace.
A Multifaceted Program and Immersive Experiences
Beyond the central bell-ringing campaign, SFSH25 promises a diverse program of events. Artists are incorporating the 174hz tone into new compositions, which will be featured throughout the festival weekend. RTÉ lyric FM will broadcast a live performance of Ambient Orbit from the Shandon Bells on Wednesday, September 10th, at 7pm, showcasing artists from the SFSH/37d03d residency.
Festival-goers can also look forward to a daily zine, titled BELL 7, offering a curated glimpse into the festival’s happenings, including pop-up events, secret shows, food experiences, conversations, and last-minute program details. The zine will be available at Bakestone throughout the week.
The festival will unfold across various venues in cork City, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expression and community engagement. Sounds from a Safe Harbour continues to solidify its reputation as a vital cultural event, demonstrating the power of art to inspire, heal, and connect people across borders.
