(R:L Lord Mayor of Belfast Tracy Kelly (DUP), Cathy Jordan (Dervish), Brìghde Chaimbeul (Scottish smallpiper), Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin))
Over 500 musicians and 450 events in 30 venues throughout the city.
July 27th – August 3rd 2025
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW AT
www.belfasttradfest.com
Belfast TradFest returns for its highly anticipated 7th edition this July 27th – August 3rd, featuring a vibrant week of concerts, masterclasses, sessions and summer school, showcasing over 500 of the finest artists from the world of traditional music, song and dance across 450 events, in 30 venues through Belfast UNESCO City of Music.
Artistic Director Dónal O’Connor says, “Over the past seven years, Belfast TradFest has grown from a bold idea into a major celebration of traditional music, song, and dance that belongs to all of us — and to this brilliant city. From the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter to the grandeur of the Ulster Hall, from late-night sessions to world-class concerts, Belfast TradFest is a meeting place — of generations, of cultures, and of hearts and minds.”
He adds, “This year, we hope to attract a total audience of over 25,000 to take part in our extensive programme. From showcasing legendary performers such as Matt Molloy, Cathy Jordan, and Kevin Burke, to nurturing the next generation through our summer school and bursary programme, Belfast TradFest is about more than entertainment — it’s about education, preservation, and community. We’re proud to continue building a space where tradition evolves, thrives, and brings people together in the heart of Belfast, UNESCO City of Music.”
The festival features a stellar concert line-up including:
- The festival’s opening concert will set the tone for a week of spectacular performances with a sensational double bill: trad legends Dervishalongside the ground-breaking ensemble NOTIFY, joined by the Irish Concertina Orchestra, Cormac McCarthy, and the MGCE Concert Orchestra—featuring over 80 musicians onstage for an unforgettable night at Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall on Sunday 27th July.
- Award-winning quintet Goitsewill take to the stage of the iconic Empire Music Hall on Wednesday 30th July. Joining them on the bill are John Doyle and Mick McAuley who helped shape the unmistakable early sound of Irish American supergroup Solas.
- On Thursday 31st July, also at the Empire Music Hall, global phenomenon Iarla Ó Lionáird and virtuosic instrumentalist Tim Edey will take to the stage. Also on the bill is dynamic trad ensemble Tempest, featuring Brendan Mulholland (flute), Blaithín Mhic Cana(vocals), Aaron O’Hagan (uilleann pipes), and Luke Ward (bouzouki and vocals).
- On Friday 1st Augustat Mandela Hall, Matt Molloy, John Carty, and Brian McGrath join forces for a standout TradFest concert, along with Ríoghnach Connolly & The Breath.
- Belfast TradFest is delighted to present a very special collaborative concert on Saturday 2nd Augustfeaturing Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway, and John McIntyre, collectively known as All four have composed new Gaelic music specifically for this project, showcasing the deep historical bonds between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland. The Ulster Orchestra joins them in this special celebration of cultural collaboration.
- Also on Saturday 2nd August, Mandela Hall welcomes the Kinnaris Quintetand Moxie – returning to Belfast for the first time in three years. This bold, genre-defying finale concert brings Belfast TradFest 2025 to a fitting close.
+ many more….
As well as the diverse range of concerts, the festival also includes a packed programme of events that celebrate traditional music, song, and dance in all its forms—from workshops and pub sessions to family céilís and late-night gigs. Here’s what else is happening:
- Summer School of Traditional Music taking place at Ulster University offering masterclasses, workshops, performances, and sessions led by some of the world’s top traditional musicians.
- Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trailfeatures over 100 free ‘Céilí House’ style music sessions in twenty of Belfast’s oldest and best-loved pubs.
- In partnership with Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, the festival will be releasing 300 bottles of a Special Dunville’s 1808 Belfast TradFest Irish Whiskey
- The Festival Clubat The Deer’s Head provides the ideal late-night venue, featuring lively acts such as Joe Jack Attack & Becky Ní Éallaithe, Sinéad McKenna Band, NxNW, The Johnny Quinn Macs and a Trad Disco with DJ Lachlan.
- 54 afternoon events will take place including film screenings, talks, taster sessions, workshops and more.
- TITANIC CÉILÍ,a free, one day outdoor family event on Sun 27th July 1-5pm, celebrating traditional music, song, and dance at the Titanic Slipways on Belfast’s Maritime Mile.
- Grand Central Station sessions in partnership with the Linen Quarter BID throughout the month of July will see spontaneous céilís, bodhrán circles, and captivating performances at the new station.
The festival is generously supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, Ulster University, Arts and Business Northern Ireland, The National Lottery Community Fund NI, Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Cathedral Quarter Belfast BID, Linen Quarter BID, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, Maritime Belfast, Comhaltas, and Love Belfast.
For more information on Belfast TradFest 2025, including the full programme and ticket details, visit www.belfasttradfest.com.
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