Belfast TradFest (21–28 July) will feature an exciting programme of concerts, talks, pub sessions, céilís (communal dancing) and workshops as well as Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music. The festival celebrates the cultural diversity of the different traditions in Northern Ireland.
This year’s headliners include some of the biggest names in traditional music with concerts by Bow Brothers, Mary Dillon performing with Dónal O’Connor and Neil Martin, and Lúnasa. The exuberant Cherish the Ladies, who hail from America, will also be in concert. And the recently formed BIIRD, an 11-piece, all female, superstar collective made up of some of Ireland's best traditional musicians and singers will make their debut Irish performance at Belfast TradFest.
In a series of masterclasses spanning 20 traditional instruments, the unaccompanied singing style sean nós and set dancing, people of all ages will get the chance to learn from internationally renowned performers.
Across the city, there will be a party atmosphere with lively sessions in pubs and clubs, céilís and impromptu outdoor performances.