It’s a guaranteed sell-out every year.

But the Levis crew are asking fans of their annual Secret Song festival in Ballydehob to take a leap of faith for 2021 and join them online for a virtual version in February.

Up to 20 acts usually perform throughout Levis Corner House during the October event, with every room filled with music throughout the day.

Due to the pandemic, Secret Song did not take place in 2020. Now, however, with help from The Department of Culture and Culture Ireland, a special belated edition will take place over Valentine’s weekend.

“Nobody knows what’s going to happen, and it’s wonderful,” says Joe O’Leary, Levis Corner House owner and Secret Song co-curator.

“We welcome established artists and artists who are ‘unknown’ or unsigned. All amazing talented original performers. This year’s line up is made up of household names, and yet to be discovered gems.”

Secret Song will be presented over two evenings from 8pm on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th. Each night will feature five different artists. As usual, the lineup is a secret, but previous artists have included Mick Flannery, Jen Grant, Rozi Plain, Stephen James Smith, Niamh Regan, Ports, Anna Mieke, Daoirí Farrell and John Blek, to name but a few.

“The guessing is glorious, and this year we are going to miss customers in the bar interrogating us in the run-up… trying (and failing) to find out who is playing,” says Joe.

“One year the rumour was strong in the village that Bruce Springsteen was playing, another year Lisa Hannigan came as a punter, and had a few people confused, assuming she was in the lineup.”

Tickets are now on sale and are €15 per night, or €25 for a weekend ticket, with Secret Song bundles available too.