Direct from Belfast and London’s West End, groundbreaking group the Shamrock Tenors are set to share their fresh Irish energy with audiences when they kick off a three-month tour of Australia next month, visiting the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Sunday, 31 August.

Acclaimed for their contemporary take on traditional Irish music, the vocal group promises an unforgettable celebration of Irish culture, music and spirit.

Hailed as “Ireland's most exciting new folk music sensation,” the Shamrock Tenors are returning to Australia following a string of sold-out performances across the UK, including Belfast’s Grand Opera House, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and a showstopping set before 20,000 fans at London’s Trafalgar Square.

Blending West End theatricality with authentic Irish tradition, the group features stars from major productions like Les Misérables alongside Northern Ireland’s top multi-instrumentalists.

Jimmy Johnston, Matthew Campbell, Raymond Walsh, Jack Walsh, and newest and youngest member of the group, Nathan Johnston, bring a vibrant energy to beloved classics such as Danny Boy, Whiskey in the Jar, The Parting Glass and Wild Rover—all delivered in stunning five-part harmony.

With a unique mix of Irish charm, exceptional vocals and high-octane instrumental flair, the Shamrock Tenors offer a concert experience transcending generations, inviting audiences to experience the Emerald Isle like never before.

Founder and group member Raymond Walsh said they wanted to bring an authentic taste of Ireland to the audience.

“Irish music is all about enjoyment, letting loose, leaving any sort of worries at the door, and just coming in and having a nice night of escapism," he said.

"We want people to feel in a theatre as if they could be in a bar in Galway."

Since their meteoric rise, the group has enjoyed global success.

Highlights include headlining the BBC’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, a sold-out West End debut at London’s Adelphi Theatre, and racking up over eight million views across social media platforms.

Their first two singles soared to number one on the iTunes World Music Charts, and their Emmy winning PBS television special has brought their music to an even broader audience.

The Shamrock Tenors will perform an afternoon show in Wangaratta on Sunday, 31 August at 3pm, with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au or by calling the box office on 5722 8105.

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What's on in brief

Local author Margaret Hickey at the library

ACCLAIMED local author Margaret Hickey will launch her latest novel, An Ill Wind — a chilling rural crime thriller set in the heart of Victoria - at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 24 July at 6pm.

Hosted by Booktique and supported by Wangaratta Library, the award-winning author and playwright brings her signature storytelling to this gripping new tale, which explores the tensions and secrets that surface when a massive wind farm is constructed on the outskirts of a small Victorian town.

Bookings for the launch are essential via Humanitix or contact library staff on 5721 2366 or email library@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

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Pop-up local community cinema events

A series of community pop-up cinema events supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta, is continuing its winter run, aiming to foster social connection through free and accessible movie screenings.

Enjoy a screening of the movie Despicable Me 4 at Glenrowan Primary School on Friday, 25 July at 5.30pm for a 6pm start, on the school basketball courts or inside if wet (byo chair and blankets) with pizza and movie snacks, and entry by gold coin donation.

On Friday, 1 August from 6pm there will be a free community movie night at the Tarrawingee Community Hall, with a screening of the movie Oddball to start at 7pm, with snacks and drinks available to purchase and bookings required at trybooking.com/DAWJC.

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National Tree Day community planting event

The community is invited to help plant indigenous native plants along the Rail Trail at Tarrawingee Station during the National Tree Day event being held on Sunday, 27 July from 10am to 1pm.

Presented by the Rural City of Wangaratta, all are welcome to learn about plants and local wildlife, with a free barbecue lunch provided.

Booking is required by visiting events.humanitix.com/rcow-tree-day-2025 or contact environment@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

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Joint exhibition at Art Gallery on Ovens

A new exhibition featuring the work of artists Jacki Macleish and Cath Warnock will open at the Art Gallery on Ovens in Wangaratta this week.

The exhibition features a selection of Jacki's colourful figurative and landscape paintings, and Cath's character-filled illustrations and narrative art pieces.

They will be on display from 23 July to 4 August, with an opening to be held on Saturday, 26 July from 12pm to 2pm, and all welcome to come and meet the artists.

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Cathedral College Wangaratta presents Mamma Mia!

Get ready to dance and sing along as Cathedral College Wangaratta students take audiences on a sunny, feel-good journey to a Greek island paradise with Mamma Mia! — the global smash-hit musical which has captured hearts for decades.

Featuring the unforgettable music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! blends timeless pop hits with a heartwarming story of love, identity and friendship, as Sophie, a young woman about to be married, goes on a quest to uncover the identity of her father.

Shows will be presented at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 15 August at 7pm, and on Saturday, 16 August at 1pm and 7pm, with tickets at wpacc.com.au.

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All British Day at Winton Raceway

All British Day at Winton Raceway, celebrating the heritage and performance of traditional British marques, will be held on Saturday, 16 August from 9am to 5pm.

Supported by the Jaguar Car Club of Victoria, Triumph Sports Owners Association, and the MG Car Club of Victoria, the event offers a unique motorsport experience with a curated All British Show and Shine, lunchtime parade laps, competitive events and the crowning of the All British Day Champion.

For more details or to enter a vehicle visit msca.net.au/events.

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