TradFest, one of the island of Ireland’s leading traditional arts celebrations, is bringing almost 600 events to Belfast. The week-long festival, now in its eighth year, celebrates traditional music, song and dance with 1,000 artists lined up in 40 venues across the city.
Thousands of people are set to descend on Belfast for concerts, sessions in local pubs and a wide range of other events. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the festival.
When does Belfast TradFest begin?
Belfast TradFest begins on Sunday and opens with the island of Ireland’s biggest céilí. The festival’s main céilí returns to Titanic Slipways at 13:00 BST on Sunday and is expected to attract more than 10,000 people.
The outdoor celebration will feature the Blackwater Céilí Band, Jack Warnock, and Niamh McGlinchey. It is free, but people need to register for tickets.
There will also be a range of family activities, including a bodhrán circle, face painting, children’s maritime art workshops, and food stalls.
“a living link to our ancestors, celebrating their spirit, resilience and enduring legacy”
That is how artistic director of Belfast TradFest, Dónal O'Connor, describes the céilí. Next year, the organisers plan to enter the Guinness World Records title for the world’s biggest céilí.
There are also a range of smaller céilís being held throughout the week. Belfast TradFest ends on Sunday 2 August.
Will any roads be closed?
Roads in Belfast are staying open during TradFest. Many of the festival venues are within walking distance of each other on the northern side of the city centre.
What concerts are on?
This year’s line-up includes a one-off performance by the Michael McGoldrick Big Band. McGoldrick is famed as being one of the greatest flute-players in the world, and he also plays tin whistle, uilleann pipes and low whistle.
Doors open for Sunday’s concert in the Mandela Hall at 19:30 BST. Cherish the Ladies return to the festival on Sunday and will play in the Mandela Hall at 13:00 BST.
Cherish the Ladies are a group of female performers from the US who combine instrumental and vocals with step dance and storytelling. Also crossing the Atlantic Ocean is Solas, a band formed in New York in the 90s that blends Irish traditional music with folk and Americana.
Solas will perform at the Mandela Hall on Friday 31 July. for the full line up.
What other events are on?
If you attend one of the concerts and do not want the party to end, there are also a number of nighttime events. Musicians and singers will gather at The Deer's Head for late-night revelry throughout the week.
Travellers and commuters will be able to enjoy pop-up céilís, traditional music performances and bodhrán circles at Grand Central Station. TradFest started out as a summer school and evolved into a festival.
There are a range of masterclasses teaching a variety of instruments that are open to children and adults, as well as talks and screenings. There are also a series of sessions all over the city for anyone who wants to pop into a pub to tap their feet to some traditional music.
For those who are not drinkers, there will also be sober seshes held in alcohol-free venues. There is also a walking tour looking at Belfast’s harping heritage. for the full programme.
What is the All-Ireland Fleadh?
If you want the party to continue, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann - the All-Ireland Fleadh - starts the same day TradFest ends. It is the world’s largest festival of Irish music and dance and runs in Belfast from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August, with an expected 800,000 people set to visit Belfast.
There will be headline performances, as well as sessions, family events and storytelling.
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