Riverdance 30 – The New Generation will play the Gaiety Theatre this summer from 5 June – 7 September. Each year the smash hit show partners with a charity for its summer run. Today it was announced that the show’s charity partner for this summer’s run is Barnardos whose mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, and their partners to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences.
Through this partnership Riverdance hopes to help raise funds and awareness for Barnardos
The main event of the partnership takes place on 19 June when a 12-hour Riverdanceathon will take place in front of the Gaiety Theatre. Funds raised will go to Barnardos.
Over 500 dancers from dance schools across Ireland are expected to take part in the Riverdanceathon. Members of the Riverdance cast also join in to start the event just before 10am and again at lunchtime to perform 3 numbers from the show on the Gaiety Plaza as well as bringing it all to an end that evening. Riverdancers are also there throughout the day to encourage and work with younger dancers. On the night of the Riverdanceathon, some dancers connected with Barnardos will have a chance to take part in the show, training with the troupe and joining the finale of that evening’s performance.
The 2025 summer season will also include a Riverdance Family Friendly Show, which will take place at the Gaiety Theatre on Sunday 22 June at 1pm. The Family Friendly performance is a relaxed show which welcomes everyone to experience Riverdance in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Profits from this show will go towards the work of Barnardos.
Speaking of the announcement of the partnership today:
Mary Gamble, Barnardos Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications said;
“Barnardos is thrilled to be the charity partner for Riverdance 2025 – and on such a special year as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary. The show theme ‘The New Generation’ is also particularly apt as both the Riverdanceathon (June 19) and Family Friendly Show (June 22) celebrate and give space to children – and the funds raised from these events will support Barnardos work with children and families in our centres, in families own homes, and in schools across Ireland.”
Padraic Moyles, Riverdance CEO said;
We are very privileged to be given the opportunity to work with Barnardos. We look forward to supporting and raising funds for their incredible work with our Riverdanceathon featuring the Riverdance cast and the Irish Dance Schools and our Family Friendly Show at the Gaiety Theatre. Throughout this partnership we will endeavour to share our passion for music and dance and in some small way create enjoyable and inclusive occasions for some of the families in Barnardos’ community.”
Barnardos is Ireland’s largest children’s charity which supports the most vulnerable children in society to achieve their full potential. Barnardos is committed to child welfare and to supporting children reach their full potential. The team work with children throughout their childhood – with your help Barnardos can change their story. Because Childhood Lasts a Lifetime. barnardos.ie
Riverdance 30 – The New Generation marks the show’s incredible 30th year milestone with the celebrations continuing throughout 2025. The Riverdance 30th Anniversary tour is underway in North America performing in 45 major cities including New York, Toronto, Washington DC, Boston and Chicago. Riverdance returns to Ireland for a 14-week run at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin this summer and will also perform in 30 cities across the UK including London, Manchester and Liverpool before wrapping up the anniversary year in the SEE in Belfast. Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.
Full tour details available on www.riverdance.com
@Riverdance riverdance.com
Press information on Riverdance : Sinead O’Doherty (Macdonald), O’Doherty Communications +353 86 259 1070 [email protected]
Press information on Barnardos:
Further info re Barnardos:
- Barnardos works with families who are affected by traumatic life situations such as living in consistent poverty, abuse or neglect, parental mental health challenges or addiction, separation or bereavement. We offer a range of professional early intervention; specialist services; and practical and emotional support services in 56 Barnardos centres, family homes, schools and communities nationwide.
- Last year Barnardos supported more than 26,000 children and families nationwide – an increase of 24% on the previous year. Demand for Barnardos services has never been greater with more than 2000 children and families on waiting lists and the acute need for support growing every week.
- Many families in Barnardos are living in enforced deprivation. The stark reality is that families are forced to cut back and go without essentials.
- Every day Barnardos’ staff see first-hand the struggles families have, and the impact this has on their children. More and more children are being pulled into enforced deprivation, negatively affecting their wellbeing and development.
- Barnardos project workers know what the lived experience is like for these families; and the importance of donations to support the work. They also witness the positive impact of a Barnardos intervention, and what it feels like to see the experience of children and parents change from a negative to a positive one.
