5th July 2024
Experience the magic of traditional music as Belfast TradFest returns for its 6th year. This premier event features over 370 activities, including concerts, masterclasses, and sessions, making it the fastest-growing traditional music festival in Ireland.
Belfast One were delighted to attend the launch event for Belfast Tradfest 2024 last week as it returns for its 6th year, promising its biggest festival yet!
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One says “We are thrilled to partner with Belfast Tradfest 2024, an event that brings the vibrant energy of over 20,000 music enthusiasts to our city. This festival not only showcases the incredible talent of both local and international musicians but also highlights the unique and diverse venues within our BID area.
Events like these are crucial in celebrating our local talent and fostering a sense of community. At Belfast One, we take pride in supporting such initiatives, as we believe our city and area boasts some of the very best establishments for unforgettable experiences. We look forward to the festival’s success and the lasting impact it will have on our local businesses and community.”
Dates: July 21-28, 2024
Tickets: Book here
Here are some of the highlights you can expect:
Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail
Explore the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail with over 70 free sessions across 17 iconic Belfast pubs like Madden’s Bar, The Garrick, and Kelly’s Cellars. Enjoy two-hour Céilí House style sessions where master musicians kick off with a performance before inviting everyone to join in.
Special Festival Events
- Titanic Céilí: A family-friendly outdoor event on July 21 at the Titanic Slipways, featuring music, dance, workshops, and more.
- Festival Club: Late-night entertainment at The John Hewitt Bar & The Deer’s Head with performances from top artists like SuperCéilí and Huartan.
- Star-Studded Performances: Moya Brennan, Cherish the Ladies, Lúnasa, and many more will perform in iconic venues around Belfast.
Afternoon Delights
Join 54 afternoon events including CD and book launches, talks, workshops, and family Céilís. Highlights include a reed making workshop with Aaron O’Hagan and lectures by renowned musicians like Tara Howley and Joanie Madden.
Summer School
Partnering with Ulster University, the Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music offers a 5-day program with masterclasses, workshops, and more. Learn from world-class tutors like Derek Hickey, Mary Bergin, and Neil Martin.
Special Collaborations
- Bunting Collection Celebration: A concert at the Crescent Arts Centre celebrating the historic collection of Irish airs by Edward Bunting.
- Cross-Cultural Concerts: ‘With Pipe & Drum’ at the Titanic Hotel and ‘Na Máistrí / Masters of Traditional Music’ at Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich.
Exclusive Whiskey Bottling
Belfast TradFest partners with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey to release a limited edition of 300 bottles of Special Dunville’s 1808 Belfast TradFest 2024 Series Irish Whiskey. Purchase online or sample at Session Trail bars.
Join the celebration of traditional music, song, and dance at Belfast TradFest 2024. For tickets and to view the full itinerary of events, visit Belfast TradFest.
