Mel Gibson to return to Trim as guest of honour for 30th anniversary of Braveheart

Actor to attend King John's Summer Prom

Mel Gibson is returning to Trim to mark the 30th anniversary of the making of the Academy Award-winning move, 'Braveheart' in the town as part of the King John's Summer Prom Festival next month.

Mel will be signing posters on Saturday morning 9th August at Trim Castle Hotel in aid of the Irish Equity Benevolent Fund. Many o fthe stars of Breaveheart are set to descend on Trim for the weekend of "cinematic soundscapes, soaring vocals and symphonic wonder".

"With almost 300 performers from Ireland and beyond, it’s set to be the largest orchestral festival on the island of Ireland," organisers say.

In 1994, actor Mel Gibson attended a meeting with Irish producer Morgan O’Sullivan and the then Minister for the Arts, Michael D Higgins. This meeting led to Gibson announcing that the production for his $53 million film, ‘Braveheart’, scheduled to be filmed entirely on location in Scotland would be, for the most part, made in Ireland instead. Six weeks of filming had already taken place in Glen Nevis, near Fort William, in Scotland when Gibson moved the entire production to Ireland.

From 1987 to 1993 tax incentives were gradually being introduced into the Irish film industry. ‘My Left Foot’, ‘The Commitments’, and ‘The Crying Game’ are some of the bigger films that benefited from these incentives in that time. The biggest changes to the Irish film industry came in 1993 with the appointment of Michael D Higgins, the re-establishment of the Irish Film Board, and the introduction of tax incentives for international productions. This new tax incentive scheme (section 35 of the Finance Act which would later become section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) was the first of its kind in the world. No country had ever introduced tax incentives for film production prior to this.

These newly introduced tax incentives convinced Mel Gibson to bring the production of ‘Braveheart’ to Ireland even though six weeks of production had already taken place in Scotland. Ten million pounds were raised from Irish investors under section 35 towards the budget of the film.

Gibson was also drawn to Ireland thanks to the agreement that 1,500 members of the Irish defence forces would be made available to him for the film’s large-scale battle scenes. This was a cost-effective measure, especially as the defence reserves could play both the English and Scottish armies depending on the shoot and angles. Members of the crew have commented on how disciplined the extras were on set, one of whom was actor Alun Armstrong (who played the Earl of Mornat): “These must be the best extras I’ve ever worked with, they should have an award for being extras. They’re just so self-disciplined. You look at the hillside and there is nobody there and you turn away for a couple of minutes and chat and you turn back and suddenly there 1,500 guys there, it’s just unbelievable.”

The presence of Noel Dempsey as a junior minister in both the Office of Public Works and Defence at the time smoothed the way for use of both Trim Castle and the local defence forces.

Dunshaughlin woman Bláithín FitzGerald, who worked on locations set-ups for the film, particularly on the Dunsany shoot (which served as Westminster Abbey for the wedding scene), said that one of her greatest memories from working on the set was the great sense of camaraderie amongst the crew.

“Everyone seemed to get on really well together.” Unlike some of the other cast members, Mel Gibson would always eat with the crew in the canteen instead of in his trailer. “He mucked in with everybody,” says Bláithín.

While there was a great deal of camaraderie, everyone respected the weight that was Gibson’s shoulders as he directed, produced and starred in the feature. “He had a lot of jobs to do so no one hassled him. He worked 18 hour days, six days a week,” she recalls.

‘Braveheart’ was a global success. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards at the 68th Academy Awards and won five: best picture, best makeup, best cinematography, best sound editing, and best director. The film’s commercial and critical success undoubtedly helped convince future productions such as ‘Saving Private Ryan’, ‘Reign of Fire’ and ‘King Arthur’ that Ireland was an attractive filming location.

‘Braveheart’ came at a time when Ireland’s film industry was going through a transformation. It was films such as ‘Braveheart’ that helped kick-start a stable growth in Ireland’s film industry that has seen it go from strength to strength since then.

King John Summer Prom Festival to Transform Trim into Ireland’s Orchestral Capital celebrating Braveheart 30th Anniversary

Under the fully seated Big Top - Peterstown, Navan Road, Trim

August 8 - 10, 2025

Prepare for a weekend of cinematic soundscapes, soaring vocals and symphonic wonder as the historic town of Trim hosts the King John Summer Prom Festival, August 8 - 10, 2025. With almost 300 performers from Ireland and beyond, it’s set to be the largest orchestral festival on the island of Ireland.

This landmark cultural celebration brings together world-class musicians, film legends, local talent and thousands of visitors for an unforgettable summer spectacle.

Friday, August 8 @ 8pm - Voyage: Ireland in Song

An epic orchestral journey through Ireland’s rich musical heritage where tradition meets contemporary orchestra, produced by award-winning musician Niall O’Sullivan.

This breathtaking evening features an all-star lineup:

Patrick Bergin – Hollywood legend and acclaimed Irish actor

Leah Barniville – World class vocalist & star of Britain’s Got Talent

Emmet Cahill – PBS Celtic Thunder star and internationally acclaimed tenor

Shóna O’Sullivan – International singing sensation

Saturday, August 9 @ 2.30pm - Heroes and Legends

A soaring matinee concert with the 65 piece Irish Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Niall O’Sullivan, celebrating the music of cinema’s greatest composers - including John Williams, Hans Zimmer, James Horner, Howard Shore, Ennio Morricone and more.

Simon Delaney – Presenter

As evening falls, witness a special 30th anniversary outdoor screening of Braveheart - filmed on-site in Trim - with original cast members returning to honour the film that left an indelible mark on Irish and global cinema.

Sunday, August 10 @ 1pm - Orchestral Odyssey

A family friendly celebration of orchestral music, filled with fun, education and entertainment for all ages. Audiences will be treated to vibrant performances and engaging musical storytelling, the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra (made up of the finest musicians in Ireland) will be joined by over 100 kids from Glitz Performing Arts and Elite Stage School showcasing young talent and the next generation of Irish performers.

Sunday, August 10 @ 8pm - Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night In Concert

The festival closes with a show-stopping finale:

Peter Byrne’s tribute to Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night, performed with The Irish Philharmonic Orchestra - a powerful and passionate end to a weekend of music and magic.

A Festival Like No Other…

With almost 300 performers, the King John Summer Prom Festival is a groundbreaking blend of classical music, film, and community celebration. It’s more than a festival - it’s a moment in Irish cultural history.

Tickets & Info - kjsummerprom.ie

https://kjsummerprom.ie/