Belfast TradFest has announced the full programme for its 2026 edition, which will take place from July 26 to August 2 across the city. The festival’s eighth edition will feature more than 1,000 artists across almost 600 events in 40 venues, bringing traditional music, song, dance, talks, workshops, sessions and community events to Belfast UNESCO City of Music.
The 2026 programme follows a major milestone for Belfast TradFest, with the festival now included in the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Annual Funding Programme. The investment will support the festival’s artistic programming, education work, community engagement and opportunities for emerging artists.
Patricia Murray, Co-Director of Belfast TradFest, said: “This significant investment recognises the festival’s contribution to the cultural life of Belfast and the North of Ireland and will help support the continued development of world-class artistic programming, education initiatives, community engagement, and opportunities for emerging artists.”
Headline concerts at Mandela Hall include Grammy-nominated Irish-American ensemble Cherish the Ladies, Michael McGoldrick Big Band, Solas’ 30th Anniversary Tour, and two special concerts featuring Four Men and a Dog and Flook, supported by An Chéad Ghlúin Eile.
The Empire Music Hall programme will feature Barry Kerr, Pauline Scanlon, Gerry O’Beirne, CUAS, The Bonny Men, Bríd Harper, Sylvain Barou and Libby McCrohan.
Other highlights include appearances from Dezi Donnelly, Cathal Hayden, Mary Bergin, Becky Ní Éallaithe and Piaras Ó Lorcáin, alongside special events including Flutopia, Na Máistrí hosted by Neil Martin, Ceol na bPíob with Robbie Hannan, Diane Cannon’s book and album release, Ómós Sean Maguire at the Lyric Theatre, and Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin’ featuring Michael Rooney.
The festival will open on Sunday, July 26, with the free Titanic Céilí on Belfast’s Maritime Mile, featuring the All-Ireland Champion Blackwater Céilí Band, Jack Warnock, Niamh McGlinchey, maritime music groups and family activities.
Belfast TradFest’s Summer School, delivered in partnership with Ulster University, is expected to attract 1,000 students and is described by the festival as the second largest summer school of traditional music in the world.
The Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail will return with more than 130 free-admission listening sessions featuring almost 400 musicians in over 20 Belfast pubs, including Madden’s Bar, Kelly’s Cellars, The Garrick and The American Bar.
The 2026 edition will also include more than 80 talks, lectures and screenings, a new partnership with Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland, alcohol-free traditional music sessions in partnership with The Sober Irish, and the return of the Grand Central Station Sessions, featuring 24 pop-up céilís, live performances and bodhrán circles.
Artistic Director Dónal O’Connor said: “Our aim is to create a space where traditional music becomes a meeting point rather than a dividing line, where people from all backgrounds can come together with curiosity, respect and a shared enjoyment of the music.”
Tickets for newly announced concerts, workshops, talks, céilís and late-night festival clubs are on sale now.
Visit belfasttradfest.com to view the full programme and book tickets.
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