In November 2023, Indian fans finally got what they’d waited for – Westlife live on stage. The Irish boyband brought their The Wild Dreams Tour to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi, and the crowds sang every word. For many, it was a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s, when songs like Swear It Again and Flying Without Wings ruled playlists across India.
Now, less than two years later, there’s another reason for fans here to celebrate: An Post has issued special stamps to mark 25 years of Westlife.
From Sligo to Stardom ✨
Formed in 1998, the band brought together three lads from Sligo – Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan – with Nicky Byrne from Dublin. Their big break came supporting Boyzone and the Backstreet Boys.
Then came 1999, and with it their debut single “Swear It Again” – an instant number one in Ireland and the UK. What followed was chart domination:
- 14 UK number one singles (surpassed only by Elvis and The Beatles!)
- 3 albums among the 50 fastest-selling of all time.
- A trophy cabinet with Brit Awards, MTV Awards, Record of the Year Awards, and a World Music Award.
Why They Still Matter 💿
Westlife’s music became the soundtrack of growing up for millions. Whether it was the first dance at a wedding or a late-night singalong with friends, their songs remain timeless. Twenty-five years later, they’re still filling stadiums and hearts.
The Stamp Issue 📬
To celebrate this milestone, An Post has released a beautiful set of stamps for 25 Years of Westlife.
🖼 What’s in the Collection?
Four stamps (N value) in a booklet of 4
A souvenir sheet featuring a €3.00 stamp
🎨 Design & Print
Designer: Shaughn McGrath Creative
Printer: Royal Joh. Enschedé
Process: Lithography with gold foil details
Finish: CMYK + Gold Foil (PMS 871), phosphor tagging
📏 Sizes & Paper
Stamps: 36mm x 36mm, TR 246gsm self-adhesive
Souvenir Stamp: 40mm x 70mm
Sheet: 90mm x 150mm, TR 102gsm PVA gummed
📅 Release
Issue Date: 11 September 2025
Quantities: 80,000 booklets, 12,000 souvenir sheets
Collector’s Note 📝
These stamps are more than just postage. They’re a piece of music history, celebrating one of Ireland’s most successful bands. With their gold foil finish and limited print run, they’re sure to be a highlight in modern Irish philately. For Indian fans who just welcomed Westlife in 2023, this issue feels even more personal.
Closing Thought 💌
Westlife taught us to “Swear It Again” and “Flying Without Wings,” and now their journey is captured forever in stamps. A small square of paper, but a big piece of nostalgia.
👉 Were you at one of Westlife’s India concerts in 2023? Share your memories below – and tell us which song you’d love to see on a future stamp!
