Belfast TradFest is set to mark its fifth edition milestone with an ambitious programme of music as it returns to the city this summer.
Since launching in 2017, the iternationally recognised world-class event has grown to over 200 events across multiple stages and venues, attracting an annual audience of over 15,000 from all over the world.
The festival acknowledges Northern Ireland’s cultural diversity and brings people together in a shared celebration of traditional music from these islands.
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The Belfast TradFest Summer School of Traditional Music is the hub around which the festival is built. Musicians of all ages come to Belfast to learn from the very best in the business in a five-day intensive programme of summer school events.
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This year’s line-up of tutors features no less than eight TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award recipients.
Amongst the list of world-class talent will be Tyrone’s Ryan Molloy, acclaimed composer and musician Neil Martin, Co. Kerry’s Niamh Ní Charra, banjo maestro Angelina Carberry, Sean Nós dancing dynamo Edwina Guckian and Belfast’s very own set dancing master Ronán Eastwood.
Other highlights of the festival include International festival favourites Four Men and a Dog who will celebrate 35 years on the road, Scottish singing sensation Kathleen MacInnes and The Pride Céilí at The Black Box in partnership with Belfast Pride.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black said: “Belfast TradFest is of a jaw-droppingly high standard. For one week each July, it brings our beautiful city alive with traditional music and dance and celebrates our undeniable talent in these artforms.
" Belfast City Council is so proud to support this festival programme.
"Belfast TradFest not only makes traditional music and dance accessible to new audiences, it nurtures and inspires new and upcoming talent, attracts international visitors and it animates our spaces in a really joyous, authentic way. It’s the true embodiment of our status as a UNESCO City of Music.
"I wish everyone involved the very best of luck.”
Dónal O’Connor, Belfast TradFest Artistic Director, added: “Our fifth edition is a hugely significant occasion for Belfast TradFest, especially considering the pandemic years and the challenges posed by recent cuts to arts funding.
"We will, of course, be paying homage to the musicians, bands and artists who have contributed, supported and inspired the festival over the years, but importantly this is also a moment to look to the future. Belfast
"TradFest is showcasing some of the best music these islands have to offer. Established and emerging musicians come here to create and perform and audiences are attracted to enjoy the cultural exponents of our city at first hand.
"Sharing our music and our arts is a vital part of our human existence, connecting us and enriching lives, and we cherish that. We are so excited to bring this full programme of events to the people of Belfast and to invite many new visitors to our city from all over the world.”
For the full 2023 programme, visit www.belfasttraditionalmusic.com.
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