Curated and headlined by Lyra, the countdown to The Sunday Independent’s Rock Against Homelessness in aid of Focus Ireland has begun. With just over two weeks to go, some of Ireland’s top musicians will take to the 3Olympia’s stage to raise awareness and much needed funds for Focus Ireland.

The night’s curator Lyra, who is due to headline the electrifying live music event, will be joined by the likes of Aimée, Toshin, Pastiche, Bobbi Arlo, Isaac Butler, Jack O’Rourke and MayKay. Now also added to the night’s lineup are Cat Dowling and Larabel with former Love Island presenter, Laura Whitmore will be taking charge of MC duties on the night.

Speaking of the upcoming gig, Whitmore has said, “This charity is close to my heart and I’m delighted to host this year’s live show in Dublin. Music is a powerful tool to bring people together and we hope we raise much needed support in tackling the ongoing homelessness crisis in Ireland.”

Laura Whitmore

Lyra, who is preparing to play a full set on the night, will include some of her biggest hits in her performance, including latest release, ‘You’, along with the likes of ‘Falling’ and ‘New Day’. Audience members of all ages are encouraged to come along to Friday's event, which is bound to be a memorable night for the whole family.

The ‘New Day’ singer also spoke of the ongoing homelessness crisis in Ireland, “You would think in the year 2023 we would be able to provide people with a basic human right, the right to safety and security. But unfortunately, this is not true.”

Continuing, the singer went on to say, “Many a night I have walked through the streets seeing people sleeping in doorways trying to protect themselves from the harsh Irish weather and wondered where is the help? Thank god for charities like Focus Ireland as without them, I fear for the worst."

Singer-songwriter Bobbi Arlo, due to take to the 3Olympia’s stage in two weeks, has also spoken out on the issue, stating, “No person deserves to not have a safe space to rest their head and keep warm.”

“It’s a basic human right, and we need to keep pushing so every single one of these people can be safe in a bed with a roof over their head and food on their table. Anyone can help no gesture or act too small. Whatever or however you can help a person in need today, please help.”

Bobbi Arlo

CEO of Focus Ireland Pat Dennigan, has voice his concern over the shocking soaring figures of  homelessness.

“It is really shocking to see that homelessness has shot up 30% in the last year to a new record total of 11,632 and it’s shameful that nearly 3,500 of these are children,” Dennigan began.

Continuing, the CEO discussed the history of Rock Against Homelessness, stating, “Events like Rock Against Homelessness have raised a much-needed €170,000 for Focus since the first concert in 2016. This major event also brings hope to people who are homeless as it shows them that people care about them and want to help.”

The Sunday Independent journalist, Barry Egan, has been the event’s organiser since 2015. Egan opened up about his previous experience with the event, "I have been putting this show on in Dublin – and around Ireland - for almost ten years and in that time the situation for the homeless has only gotten worse.”

“That shouldn’t be the case in a so-called modern European country like Ireland. It’s actually a disgrace. It makes me ashamed as an Irish person sometimes. We should all in a way feel ashamed that this has happened on our watch.”

Larabel

“I’d like to thank all the great acts that have performed at Rock Against Homelessness in aid of Focus Ireland – from Fontaines DC. to Imelda May, The Boomtown Rats to Camille O’Sullivan, Loah and Dermot Kennedy, Glen Hansard to Mary Wallopers to name but a few,” the journalist continued.

“I’d also like to thank the public for supporting this concert in a huge way that they have from the beginning. I’d also like to say to the people who push the homeless issue to the back of their minds that when you ignore another homeless person on the street, remember that they are someone’s father or someone’s mother or someone’s brother or sister. Our purpose in this life is to help others, isn’t it?”

Under 14’s are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets from €27 are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

Lyra Curates Rock Against Homelessness https://t.co/qiLX3sk96e

— FocusIreland (@FocusIreland) March 6, 2023