First wave of acts announced as WellFest expands to Northern Ireland

The first-look line-up for the festival includes Newry native Maeve Madden, Olympic and world champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, and Belfast-born therapist Owen O’Kane

The first wave of acts announced sets the tone for WellFest’s Northern Ireland debut at Ormeau Park, with a line-up of international names and further programme announcements to come in 2026.

Ireland’s largest outdoor fitness and wellness festival, WellFest, has announced its expansion to Belfast, bringing the WellFest experience to Northern Irish audiences for the first time next September.

The first-look line-up for the festival includes Newry native Maeve Madden, Olympic and world champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, Belfast-born therapist Owen O’Kane, yoga expert Dr Rebekah Jade, Paralympic champion Ellen Keane, former Gladiator Glenn Wilkinson, and fitness trainer Kathryn McKinstry.

The first wave of acts announced sets the tone for WellFest’s Northern Ireland debut at Ormeau Park, with a line-up of international names and further programme announcements to come in 2026.

The first-look line-up for WellFest Norther Ireland festival includes Newry native Maeve Madden.

Speaking about the festival’s expansion to Belfast, member of the WellFest team, Sarah King, said: "As a Belfast native, launching WellFest in the city with such a strong first wave line-up of local heroes feels incredibly special.

“These voices represent the strength, inclusivity and energy of our wellness community here in Northern Ireland.

“With international headliners to follow in 2026, this first-look announcement is all about celebrating homegrown talent, showcasing the breadth of the festival programming, from yoga and fitness to inspiring talks, family activities and more. We’re inviting everyone to be part of a landmark year for WellFest.” 

Don King Dance Party pictured at WellFest in Dublin. Picture: Marc O'Sullivan.

The Belfast WellFest event follows the flagship two-day Dublin event at IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham in May, marking a major milestone as the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The festival in Dublin will be headlined by Maeve Madden, who will bring her empowering Queens Don’t Quit workouts to the capital. Joining her are two-time Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington, podcaster and mental health advocate Blindboy, and endurance athlete and wellness entrepreneur Spencer Matthews.

Performance psychologist Gerry Hussey will return to WellFest in Dublin next May.

The line-up also includes performance psychologist Gerry Hussey, Yoga with Maura, and high-energy favourites such as POUND and BBX.

Therapist and bestselling author Owen O’Kane will also make an appearance in Dublin, exploring mental health and anxiety, and former Great British Bake Off Finalist Kimberley Wilson will bring her expertise as a chartered psychologist to the festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10.

WellFest NI 2026 ticket pre-sale will begin on Wednesday, November 26, at WellFestNI.com and Ticketmaster and general release tickets will go on sale from Monday, December 1.