Belfast TradFest is set to celebrate its fifth festival as it returns again this July between the 23rd and 30th.
Belfast TradFest will be returning for the fifth time next month and will once again be hosting many brilliant live Irish music events across the city with what has been described as its most ambitious music program yet.
Since its first outing in 2015 as Belfast Summer School of Traditional, the festival has grown rapidly, and in 2019 it was rebranded as Belfast TradFest and was extended to seven days long.
Belfast TradFest – an internationally renowned festival
Dónal O’Connor, Artistic Director for Belfast TradFest, when speaking about the impact that the festival has on the city, said, “Our 5th edition is a hugely significant occasion for the festival, especially considering the pandemic years and the challenges of 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”.
He added, “Established and emerging musicians come here to create and perform, and audiences are attracted to enjoy our cultural treasures 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 program of events to the people of Belfast and to invite many new visitors to our city from all over the world”.
Belfast City Council – proud to support Belfast TradFest
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black stated that Belfast City Council where incredibly proud to support Belfast TradFest as she 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 art forms. 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”.
A festival full of excellent acts – such as world-class traditional music concerts and great pub sessions
Belfast TradFest’s 5th festival has become the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, and the fact that Belfast has been marked as a UNESCO City of Music looks pretty fitting.
This year’s festival looks to be the best yet as it will not only recognise the achievements made since 2017 but will also include a wide variety of concerts, lectures, talks, sessions, festival clubs & céilís.
Find out dates, events, times, and everything you need to know here.
