Belfast TradFest

27/08/2026

A massive thank you to Ceathrú Cheoil na bhFál for their incredible donation ahead of our summer school of traditional music this year!

We want to give a special shout-out to Louise agus Máire, and everyone at the Ceathrú Cheoil na bhFál, for their amazing generosity. Thanks to them, we were able to gift a stunning Sheeran by Lowden guitar to a very promising young player.

We were absolutely delighted to present the guitar to Finian Dunne. Finian is a fantastic talent, and it's brilliant to see this beautiful instrument go to such a well-deserving home.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh! 🎸🎶

21/08/2026

🎻 Belfast TradFest on RTÉ Nationwide!

Great to see Belfast TradFest featured on RTÉ Nationwide as part of its programme celebrating Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.

Our Artistic Director Dónal O’Connor chatted with Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh about the growth of traditional music in Belfast and the remarkable journey the city’s traditional music community has been on.

Wonderful contributions too from Neil Martin and Shona McCarthy, reflecting on Belfast’s musical and cultural story.

It was particularly special to see recognition of the work Belfast TradFest has been doing since 2016 to build audiences, increase participation and create a thriving, cross-cultural traditional music scene in the city.

We’re immensely proud to have played our part in that story and to see traditional music flourishing in Belfast. 💛🎶

Congratulations also to Ards CCÉ & Belfast City Council on featuring and their tremendous achievement.

Watch the full RTÉ Nationwide programme on RTÉ Player. https://www.rte.ie/player/series/nationwide/SI0000001172?epguid=IH10016303-26-0086

Arts Council of Northern Ireland | Belfast City Council | Maritime Mile | Discover Northern Ireland | Visit Belfast | Ulster University | Cathedral Quarter Belfast | Linen Quarter Belfast One | Harp Ireland | Dunville's Irish Whiskey |

19/08/2026

All shades of pipes and drums filled the Grand Hall of Stormont Parliament Buildings during this year’s Belfast TradFest for ‘With Pipe & Drum: A Celebration at Stormont’ 🥁🎶

An explosive celebration of Highland piping, uilleann piping, smallpiping, traditional Irish and Scottish song, percussion and traditional sean-nós dance, bringing together world-class traditional musicians from across Ireland, Scotland and the United States. 🇮🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

Hosted by Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA and presented in partnership with EastSide Arts Festival and Strand Arts Centre.

⭐️ Taking to the stage were Joanie Madden, Kim Carnie, Ailis Sutherland, Grahame Harris with Campbell College Pipe Band, Len Graham, Maeve O’Donnell, Aimée Farrell Courtney, Andy McGregor, Donogh Hennessy, Mark Wilson and Becky Ní Éallaithe.

A special and historic night celebrating the music, dance and shared traditions that connect these shores.

With thanks to our funders Arts Council of Northern Ireland | Belfast City Council | Discover Northern Ireland | Belfast Music

Stormont IrishMusic ScottishMusic

16/08/2026

‘For those involved in Belfast's Irish traditional music scene through the 1970s, '80s and '90s, the idea of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann one day coming to the city was one too ridiculous to even contemplate……

…….Much has changed, including, Martin said, the idea that traditional music is "only for Catholics and nationalists". For this he gives credit to the organisers of Belfast Trad Fest.’

Organisers and participants hail the "transformational" impact of the cultural festival on the city.

10/08/2026

“The demand for learning is going to go through the roof,” he added. “The Arts Council and City Council need to move quickly with funding so local weekly music schools and organisations are ready to deal with demand from September.”

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Belfast City Council BelfastTrad Glengormley School of Traditional Music Ceathrú Cheoil na bhfál Ionad na Fuiseoige Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

THE cultural and political significance of this week’s Fleadh is being talked about on a par with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, according to Belfast Tradfest co-founder Donal O’Connor.

10/08/2026

A huge congratulations from everyone at Belfast TradFest to the organisers Belfast City Council Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Comhaltas, volunteers, musicians and everyone involved in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on an incredible week in Belfast! 🎶☘️

A wonderful celebration of traditional music, culture and community, and a fantastic success for the city.

Comhghairdeas libh go léir! 👏🎻

09/08/2026

08/08/2026

🎥 Artistic Director Dónal O’Connor speaks with Alison Fleming for ITV News about Belfast TradFest & Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, as Belfast celebrates an incredible summer of traditional music, culture and connection. 🎻🪕✨