The Gateway to Manchester TradFest

17/06/2026

Originally from Boston, now residing in Mayo, Patrick Doocey is an All-Ireland winning multi-instrumentalist, who is one of the most in demand accompanists on the Irish music scene today. Predominately self taught on guitar, Patrick’s exciting style on both nylon and steel string guitar combines influences from many genres. A member of Lúnasa, he has played with Sharon Shannon, Liz Carroll, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Teada, Buille, Cathal Hayden, Karan Casey, Sean Keane and many others.

Join Patrick for a guitar masterclass set in the stunning The Didsbury Parsonage this September.

Find details and tickets for all our workshops (bodhrán, flute, button accordion, banjo, concertina and fiddle) at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/manchestertradfest

16/06/2026

Have you got your tickets yet? 👀

With so many amazing musicians coming to Manchester this year, it's set to be a brilliant long weekend of trad! ☀

Let's just say, the concerts are going to be epic! With incredible vocals from Niall Murphy, Seán O'Meara and bodhrán maestro Siobhán O'Donnell, we are very excited to have such a fantastic mix of styles and music this year. Damien Mullane, Dónal Murphy and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Doherty are representing the box this year and what an outstanding set of masters that really is! There's going to be some mighty backing with John McCartin, Seán O'Meara, Conor Broderick and Patrick Doocey lighting the stage on fire. Not to mention the fiddle masters Niall Murphy and David Doocey! 🙌❤️‍🔥🎻

We're also absolutely delighted to welcome our friend and special guest Damien O'Kane who will be leading a banjo masterclass! 🪕

Whether you're a seasoned tradfestaholic or you couldn't tell a jig from a reel, with so many events, there's something to suit absolutely everybody and all generations 🤩

Check out our events at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/manchestertradfest

* Céilí * Concerts * Children's workshop * Masterclasses * Storytelling *

Share our post so more people can come and join the craic and follow us as there are plenty more announcements still to come!

11/06/2026

Have you checked out our masterclasses this September? We are pleased to welcome the renowned Stephen Doherty who will be leading the Flute workshop.

For more information, head to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/manchestertradfest and check out Stephen's sensational playing here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsLwkPCfCx0

11/06/2026

Looking for something to do with the children after that first week back at school?

We are delighted to welcome back the fantastic storyteller, Neysa Killeen.

This year, Neysa will be running two workshops, one for Under 7's and another for adults and older children. There has been such a resurgence in storytelling and what better way to spend an hour, than learning of the legends deeply rooted in the Irish landscape, through the ancient oral tradition of storytelling.

Should you have children of different ages, choose the workshop that you think will best suit. Age recommendations are provided due to story themes.

Come and join us for a cup of tea and a listen at Tickets available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/manchestertradfest 📚☕

10/06/2026

This year, we launch the festival on the Thursday night with a small, intimate concert. Those who came to our wonderful Karan Casey evening recently will appreciate what a special space it was, with limited seats and a 'house session' feel.

Thank you to those who have already purchased tickets to see the awesome Damien Mullane and at 🎉

We are pleased to say only 50% of tickets are remaining so if you'd like one, head to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/manchestertradfest as there are only a small number available. The session afterwards is going to be some craic too! 🎶☘

10/06/2026

Last year's Céilí Evening was the perfect way to launch the festival.

Amazing live music from the friends at Onóra Irish Music Events created an upbeat atmosphere, there were performances from local step dancers from Keegan Academy of Irish Dance and we had our dear friend, the mighty caller Robin Gracey ensuring we danced our socks off all night!

There was much disappointment when the tickets sold out fairly quickly so if you're planning on coming, you can get yours from our Box Office at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/manchestertradfest

See you there! ☘🎶🎉

31/05/2026

28/05/2026

We can’t wait! 🎉