Wild Roots Festival is a dynamic and immersive annual event held in the captivating surroundings of Hazelwood, on the shores of Lough Gill, just outside Sligo Town in northwest Ireland. While not a traditional nightclub, Wild Roots is widely celebrated as a vibrant music and arts festival that merges the energy of a contemporary music event with the charm and natural beauty of Ireland’s landscapes. The festival made its debut in 2021, born from a desire to create a unique celebration that blends live music, art installations, outdoor adventure, and wellness experiences.

Wild Roots quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and inclusive atmosphere, attracting thousands of visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Its cultural significance lies in its commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent, fostering a sense of community, and reinvigorating the west of Ireland as a hub for live music and the arts. Despite being a relatively new addition to the Irish festival scene, Wild Roots has weathered the challenges of the pandemic and regulatory hurdles, earning acclaim for its safe, sustainable, and creatively curated happenings.

The festival’s location has remained consistent in Hazelwood, though the site itself has evolved each year, with adjustments to the layout, stages, and accommodations to enhance the experience for attendees. Over time, Wild Roots has become renowned not only for its impressive musical line-up but also for its visual arts exhibitions, theatrical performances, wellness workshops, and outdoor adventure activities like paddle-boarding and woodlands yoga, making it much more than just a music festival. Notable artists who have performed at Wild Roots Festival include international acts such as Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, King Kong Company, Natasha Bedingfield, and Basement Jaxx (DJ set), alongside a strong representation of Irish talent, including The Academic, Soda Blonde, Lyra, Hermitage Green, Jerry Fish, HousePlants, and Daithí.

The festival also spotlights rising local Sligo acts and DJs, making it a launchpad for the next generation of Irish artists.