Taking place at The Grand Social, a huge cast of acts are bringing their merch to an IRL market in the face of swathes of cancelled shows.

It’s been another bad news week for the Irish music industry. With shows capped at 50 per cent capacity, the new restrictions have all but cancelled a huge number of shows and to make things worse, acts are struggling to shift the merch they purchased to sell at the shows.

However, if the last two years have show us anything, it’s the resilience of the creative industry in the face of an increasingly hard times.

This Saturday and Sunday, The Grand Social is hosting the ‘Merchy Christmas’ merch market from 10.00-16.00. Started last year during lock-down, it was the brainwave of Conor Cusack (Saint Sister’s manager at ie:music) and Saint Sister and this year, they’re partnering with the Simon Community and though entry is free there’s a suggested donation of five euro on the door.

The market will feature merch (available for purchase with cash) from over thirty artists including:

Ailbhe Reddy, Gemma Dunleavy, HousePlants, Junior Brother, Kneecap, Kynsy,  Lankum, Loah , Maria Kelly , Melts, Myles Manley, Nealo, Niamh Regan, Paddy Hanna, Pillow Queens, Rebel Phoenix, Rob De Boer, Royal Yellow, Saint Sister, Silverbacks, Skinner, Soda Blonde, Somebody’s Child, Sorcha Richardson, Tandem Felix, Tebi Rex, The Mary Wallopers, The Scratch, The Zen Arcade, Thumper, Touts, Vernon Jane & Bicurious, Wyvern Lingo, + more to be announced.

Returning for the second year in a row, Saint Sister share their thoughts, “The last two years have been very difficult. In the absence of any proper guidance we have, time and time again, had to reorganise and replan in order to get by. Merchy Christmas is a small part of the rejigging that all artists have had to do over the last while. Last year, it gave us a boost when we needed it most. Thank God for our community! We’ll see you at the merch stand.”

Dublin hip-hop songwriter Nealo, who will also be returning this year, says “The Christmas merch sale last year was one of the highlights of the year for me. It was heartwarming to meet people face to face and to hang out and chat with people who like my music and also to other artists and friends. After a year of no gigs or face to face interactions, it was refreshing to be there in person hanging out and buying and selling merch. 10/10 would go again.”

COVID 19 AND SAFETY

In line with current public health guidelines all attendees must provide either proof of full vaccination or that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months.

Venue staff will check COVID-19 vaccination and recovery certificates on entry. Young people under the age of 18, accompanied by adults, are not required to show proof of vaccination or recovery.

You may be asked to show a photo ID. In line with current Government guidelines, we ask that patrons practice social distancing and wear a face coverings while attending the market.

Elsewhere on District: How Just Mustard’s noise woke up the world.

Jack Daniel’s has left an indelible mark on music culture across the globe over the years. To celebrate the return of live music Jack Daniel’s and District have joined forces to present the Irish gig of the week. Each week, we’ll handpick the must attend show on the island, ranging from underground rappers in dimly lit rooms to rising stars on sold out tours.

For more information visit drinkaware.ie
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