Saturday | The Phogues

Get ready to experience the ultimate Pogues tribute band at Dorsetfest 2025 - The Phogues.

In the mid to late 1980s, The Pogues were one of the wildest and most talked-about bands of the era. They crashed punk rock headlong into Irish Folk, lyrically ignited by singer/songwriter Shane MacGowan’s brutal yet romantic observations on life at the dog end of the Thatcher revolution. Full of spirit, in both senses of the word, there was simply no other band like them.

With a full line-up and the pick of the songs from five studio albums, The Phogues pay tribute to the greatest Irish band that Ireland never produced. Like the original, the eight members of the Phogues come from all over the place. Also like the Pogues, some have Irish heritage; others don’t. What unites them is supreme musical skill and a desire to honour Shane’s songs and the band that gave them to the world.

The Phogues at Dorsetfest '23

The Phogues have live experience ranging from Somerset’s famous cider pubs to the internationally famous Sidmouth Folk Festival. They bring verve, energy and authenticity to every show they play, backed up by songs including ‘Sally McLennane’, ‘The Irish Rover’, ‘Thousands Are Sailing’, ‘Streams Of Whiskey’ and, of course, the greatest Christmas song ever written, ‘Fairytale of New York’ – which they’ll happily play even on a boiling hot summer’s afternoon.

Performing on Saturday at Dorsetfest ’25, The Phogues will sweep you back to the days when Guinness was 50p a pint, the racing was on the telly in the corner of the boozer and there was always an ‘oul fella’ at the bar, sharing his wit and wisdom.

Memories of the 1980's!

Happy, raucous times brought right into the present by no less than the best Pogues tribute band in the UK. And if you don’t believe us, Shane MacGowan himself said of The Phogues, “It’s brilliant.”

So get along to Dorsetfest '25 and prepare to party!

Pogue Mahone!!

You can follow the band on Facebook or Instagram.