Sounds from a Safe Harbour Turns 10
- Sounds from a safe Harbour (SFSH) is a renowned cultural festival returning to Cork City this September for its 10th anniversary.
- This year's edition is curated by Bryce Dessner, Billy MagFhloinn, Cillian Murphy, Max Porter, and Mary Hickson.
- The festival's collaborative spirit is central to its identity.
Sounds from a Safe Harbour Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Cork
What is Sounds from a Safe Harbour?
Sounds from a safe Harbour (SFSH) is a renowned cultural festival returning to Cork City this September for its 10th anniversary. The festival showcases a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, literature, theater, film, and conversation events, fostering a collaborative and community-focused environment.
The Curatorial Process: From River Lee to Shandon Bells
This year’s edition is curated by Bryce Dessner, Billy MagFhloinn, Cillian Murphy, Max Porter, and Mary Hickson. The curatorial process began with a discussion centered around the source of the River Lee and the iconic bells of Shandon, evolving through ongoing conversations and contributions from artists worldwide. Hickson emphasizes that the festival operates as an invitation to artists, encouraging organic collaboration rather than prescriptive direction.

The festival’s collaborative spirit is central to its identity. Hickson notes the extensive exchange of ideas and invitations leading up to the event, highlighting the collective effort involved in shaping the festival’s program.
Opening Ritual: Water, Sound, and Healing Frequencies
The Opening Ritual will focus on the themes of Browse and water as catalysts for creativity. Artists will be immediately integrated into the creation of this event, guided by director Billy MagFhloinn. Research inspired by Jon Hopkins’ Ritual album led the curators to explore the healing frequencies associated with the Shandon Bells.
Initial testing revealed a connection between the tones of the Shandon Bells and healing frequencies, suggesting a potential for sonic exploration within the festival. This exploration builds on the festival’s commitment to innovative and immersive artistic experiences.
A Decade of Community and Collaboration
Sounds from a Safe Harbour has become a cornerstone of Cork’s cultural landscape over the past decade. The festival’s success lies in its ability to bring together artists and audiences in a shared space of creativity and dialog.The 10th anniversary promises to be a particularly special edition, reflecting on the festival’s history while looking forward to its future.
