Iconic Irish Dance Show to Celebrate Milestone with Performances Across 30 Cities
The internationally renowned Irish dance troupe, Riverdance, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary with an extensive UK tour next year. Known for its electrifying performances that have transformed Irish dance into a global cultural phenomenon, Riverdance will visit 30 venues across the UK, beginning in August 2025.
Originally showcased during the interval of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, Riverdance quickly became a global sensation. Its seamless blend of traditional Irish music, innovative choreography, and breathtaking performances forever changed the landscape of Irish dance, captivating audiences worldwide.
To mark this significant milestone, the 30th anniversary tour will introduce a new generation of performers who were not even born when the show first began. John McColgan, director of Riverdance, expressed his excitement about the anniversary, stating, “It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance… The show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon, continuously evolving yet staying true to its Irish roots.”
The tour kicks off at Swansea Arena on August 12, 2025, and will also visit cities including Sheffield, Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. The tour will culminate with performances at London’s Hammersmith Apollo from December 9 to 14, 2025.
Fergus Fitzpatrick, the principal dancer and dance captain, shared his enthusiasm for the milestone: “Being part of Riverdance’s journey is an absolute honour, and it’s truly a dream come true to perform in this phenomenon.”
Riverdance’s 30th anniversary performances will feature music by Bill Whelan, who won a Grammy for his original Riverdance album in 1997, and will be produced by Moya Doherty. The show’s lasting impact continues to inspire new generations of dancers, as principal dancer Amy Mae Dolan remarked, “I have no doubt that it will continue to surpass our expectations, move audiences, and inspire new generations of dancers.”
The full tour will include stops at Brighton Centre, Portsmouth Guildhall, Bristol Hippodrome, Plymouth Pavilions, and many other iconic venues.
