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800 visitors at the first POGOA
The first Pott of Gold – Open Air (POGOA) is history. Around 800 visitors celebrated in the best non-Irish weather. Dry, not too warm, not too cold. From our point of view, the months of preparation were absolutely worth it. You conjured up an incredibly beautiful, peaceful and atmospheric atmosphere on the festival site at the Ennepebogen. We thank you very much for that! Your feedback was overwhelming and that’s why it quickly became clear to us: the festival must be continued. And that’s what we’re doing. Make a note of 15.08.2026 already. Or even better: secure your tickets now.
Punctual start and great honor
A bagpipe player from Clan MacLaren opened the festival punctually at 2:30 pm. With 50 liters of free beer, served by the band, you could start the day relaxed and discover the lovely decorative elements on the festival grounds or have a chat at the stand of the clan or our supporter fan club, the OLD GANG. With freshly tapped Guinness in new merch, it was time for the first highlight of the day.
Entry in the Golden Book of the town of Gevelsberg
The mayor of Gevelsberg, Claus Jacobi, made it possible for us and our entire crew to make a ceremonial entry in the town’s Golden Book. What an honor! It wasn’t just the Gevelsberg natives in the band who had a little pee in their eyes. Mayor Claus Jacobi paid tribute to us in his speech. For the two band members from Gevelsberg, Dwight O’Reilly and Ian McFlannigan, this moment was particularly emotional as they have their home coat of arms as a tattoo. Tears flowed during the ceremony. As a thank you, Jacobi received the first two tickets for the 2026 “Pot of Gold” and immediately agreed to come.
Varied line-up and party from second 1
After that there was no stopping them: bands like Ticket to Happiness, Saint City Orchestra, Doppelbock and Focus. got the crowd going before the Paddyhats themselves stormed the stage and brought the atmosphere to boiling point with their energetic Irish folk punk.
The evening ended perfectly with a family after-show party in the “Pub des Vertrauens”, organized by the loyal fan club “Old Gang” – a place where fans and band came together once again.
What’s next?
After this successful start, it’s back to tour life for us: songwriting, music video shoots and preparations for an eventful 2026 are on the agenda.
That’s when the big “Wings and Gloves” tour starts with ten dates throughout Germany. The tour kicks off with a very special show in Cologne – on the ship MS Rheinmagie. Who will be accompanying us remains a well-kept secret.
The festival is also going into its second round: the next “Pott of Gold” Open Air will take place on August 15, 2026. “We have lots of ideas that we weren’t able to implement this year,” reveals Mia. “In 2026, our festival will be even bigger, louder and more colorful.”
Tickets for the tour and the festival are available now – and if you weren’t there in 2025, you’d better hurry this time.
