Northern Ireland

Belfast TradFest returns to establish city as ‘traditional music capital of Ireland’

Annual festival is back with over 370 events across Belfast from July 21-28

The 'ethereal' Moya Brennan, first lady of Celtic music, performs at the Fidder's Green Festival in Rostrevor later this month
Clannad's Moya Brennan is among acts to open this year's Belfast TradFest.
By Paul Ainsworth

Belfast Tradfest returns this weekend with the aim of establishing the city as a “traditional music capital of Ireland” with its biggest programme to date.

The annual festival returns for its sixth year this Sunday, and runs to July 28, with over 370 separate events taking place across the city, including concerts, céilís, masterclasses and more.

Headline concerts for 2024′s festival lineup include Clannad’s Moya Brennan, supported by Zoë Conway and John McIntyre on Sunday evening at The Empire Music Hall, and sold-out performances by Lúnasa, Seamie O’Dowd and Niall Hanna and Damian McKee.

Lunasa
Trad folk act Lúnasa will be performing a headline show at Belfast TradFest 2024.

The opening weekend includes the Titanic Céilí this Sunday at Titanic Slipways, where the world’s most famous ship was built before its tragic maiden voyage in 1912, and the free family event, running from 1-5pm will feature traditional song, music and dance led by acts including Co Tyrone’s Balckwater Céilí Band.

Meanwhile, the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail will see more than 70 trad listening sessions in 17 of Belfast’s most iconic pubs, including The Duke of York, The Sunflower and Kelly’s Cellars.

The Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail will see over 70 sessions in 17 Belfast pubs.
The Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail will see over 70 sessions in 17 Belfast pubs.

Afternoon events throughout the festival run include performances, book launches, talks, seminars and dance workshops.

In the evenings, the nightly Festival Club at the The John Hewitt pub and The Deer’s Head will host performances from acts including Huartan, Piaras Ó Lorcáin, Alan Burke, Poka, Jack Warnock, and more.

One of the highlights of the annual festival is the Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music, in partnership with Ulster University.

Students in full flow during yesterday's Slow Session at the Belfast Summer School of traditional Music at Ulster University Picture: Hugh Russell
Students in full flow during a previous Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music event. PICTURE: HUGH RUSSELL

The five-day long programme of masterclasses, workshops and film screenings will be led by talent such as Ceoltóir na Bliaina Derek Hickey, Tyrone’s Ryan Molloy, acclaimed Belfast composer and musician Neil Martin, and Co Kerry’s Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh.

Ulster University Provost, Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating again this year with Belfast TradFest by hosting their Summer School in Belfast. This partnership exemplifies the university’s commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and educational excellence.”

Tourism NI’s Aine Kearny said TradFest has “grown in scale and international appeal over the last number of years”.

“With a programme packed full of music and cultural experiences, co-created by internationally acclaimed and local artists, the event demonstrates the Giant Spirit we have on offer.

“In 2021, Belfast was awarded UNESCO City of Music status, only the third UK city to receive the accolade. The organisers of the Belfast TradFest seek to promote Belfast UNESCO City of Music as a traditional music capital of Ireland.”

Tickets for all events are now available on the festival’s official website.