BELFAST TRADFEST announces key headline concerts as part of the 2024 festival programme

Belfast TradFest is yet again bringing the finest traditional music acts to Belfast venues from 21st – 28th July, with a host of key headline acts announced today and a full programme announcement to follow soon.

Lúnasa, are considered one of the most influential bands in the history of traditional music, featuring a stellar line-up; Kevin Crawford, Seán Smyth, Cillian Vallely, Trevor Hutchinson, and Ed Boyd, this will be a festival highlight. With complex arrangements and a unique sound that has shaped the boundaries of traditional music, this will be a very special double bill with Lumiere in the Empire Music Hall on Thursday 25th July.

Songbirds Éilís Kennedy and Pauline Scanlon, and guitar legend Donogh Hennessy aka Lumiere effortlessly merge distinct feminine vocals and intricate guitar playing. A firm Belfast favourite, their enchanting songs and witty humour make for a fantastic concert and Belfast TradFest are delighted to welcome them north for their biggest Belfast show yet.

Making their Irish debut at Belfast TradFest this July, BIIRD is a brand new 11-piece all female, superstar collective featuring some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians and singers. Introducing a unique look and sound to the world of traditional music, this new collective is breaking the mould by teaming up with Ireland’s most disruptive and creative designers & stylists. Their members have won multiple All-Ireland titles, toured the world performing on shows such as Riverdance & Lord of the Dance.

Pólca 4 features the high octane and pulse raising music and song of West Kerry. Centred around the powerhouse accordion player Pádraig Ó Sé, their music is designed for dancing. With vigorous arrangements that are guaranteed to get the foot tapping and blood flowing, Polca 4 have an energy that is unmatched, and this will be their biggest Belfast show to date. Get those dancing shoes at the ready.

County Tyrone Fiddle legend Cathal Hayden brings his latest outfit to Belfast to play the Empire Music Hall on Wednesday 24th July. Bow Brothers features Cathal and his brother Stephen Hayden alongside award-winning County Armagh fiddler Niall Murphy. They are joined by Sligo singer and guitarist Seamie O Dowd, legendary Fermanagh musician Brian McGrath and percussionist extraordinaire Jimmy Higgins.

“When three traditional music comets collide, sparks will surely follow”. Together, Mary Dillon, Dónal O’Connor, and Neil Martin create a spellbinding tapestry of traditional and contemporary sounds. Breathing new life into timeless Ulster songs and tunes they marry evocative vocals with the expressive interplay of fiddle, cello, harmonium & uilleann pipes. Dungiven’s Mary Dillon ‘the voice of Déanta’, has captivated audiences with her emotive vocals and passionate delivery for decades and she is joined by two of Ireland’s finest instrumentalists and arrangers.

The original girl band and America’s finest Cherish the Ladies will perform their biggest Belfast show yet. Led by 2021 National Heritage Fellowship Award winner Joanie Madden, the line-up includes; All-Ireland champions Mirella Murray (accordion) and Nollaig Casey (fiddle) along with Mary Coogan (guitar), County Clare songstress Kate Purcell (lead vocals, guitar) and Glasgow based, Kathleen Boyle on piano. This all ages, family friendly concert will see a rousing blend of traditional music, alluring vocals, and propulsive step dancing bring an exhilarating atmosphere to the Mandela Hall stage.

SHOW DATES / VENUES

Bow Brothers | Mary Dillon, Dónal O’Connor & Neil Martin
£24.50
Wednesday 24th July
Doors 7:30pm | Show starts 8pm
Empire Music Hall | Limited unreserved seating
18+

Lúnasa | Lumiere
£29.50
Thursday 25 July
Doors 7:30pm | Show starts 8pm
Empire Music Hall | Standing – very limited seating
18+

Cherish the Ladies
£22.50
Saturday 27 July
Doors 1pm | Show starts 1:30pm
Mandela Hall | Unreserved seating
All ages

BIIRD | Pólca 4
£19.50
Saturday 27 July
Doors 7:30pm | Show starts 8pm
Mandela Hall | Standing only
18+

More concerts and events to be announced soon – for updates follow Belfast TradFest on; Facebook belfastTradFest1, X BelfastTradF and Instagram belfasttradfest

Belfast TradFest is supported by Belfast City Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster University, Belfast Cathedral Quarter BID and Belfast One BID.

BELFAST TRADFEST ANNOUNCES KEY HEADLINE CONCERTS AS PART OF 2024 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

LÚNASA | BIIRD | LUMIERE | BOW BROTHERS | MARY DILLON, DÓNAL O’CONNOR AND NEIL MARTIN | PÓLCA 4 | CHERISH THE LADIES

Tickets go on sale this Friday 26th April at 10 am from www.belfasttradfest.com