ST PATRICK’S NIGHT SPECIAL DOUBLE BILL AT THE MAC
THE BOW BROTHERS & AOIFE SCOTT BAND – TUESDAY 17 MARCH
- Tickets available via https://themaclive.com/event/the-bow-brothers-aoife-scott-band
As part of this year’s Belfast St Patrick’s Music Festival, Belfast TradFest and The MAC Belfast present a thrilling St Patrick’s Night double bill featuring two of Irish music’s most dynamic acts — The Bow Brothers and the Aoife Scott Band — in an unforgettable celebration of traditional sound and song.
Taking place in The MAC on Tuesday 17 March, this St Patrick’s Night concert promises over two hours of masterful musicianship, soaring vocals and high-energy traditional music — a fitting finale to the five-day festival.
“This double bill brings together two extraordinary forces in Irish music — virtuosic tradition and heartfelt storytelling — and we’re delighted to bring it to Belfast on St Patrick’s Night,” said Dónal O’Connor, Artistic Director of Belfast TradFest.
THE BOW BROTHERS
At the heart of The Bow Brothers are Tyrone fiddle legends Cathal and Stephen Hayden, joined by an exceptional line-up including Niall Murphy (fiddle), Seamie O’Dowd (guitar/vocals), Brian McGrath (piano/banjo) and Eamonn Rooney (percussion). Known for their electrifying live performances, the group blends deep-rooted tradition with bold, inventive arrangements and unstoppable rhythmic energy.
Legendary Tyrone fiddler Cathal Hayden who has played with everyone from Christy Moore and Mairtín O’Connor to the Bothy Band’s Paddy Keenan said:
“There’s something special about playing in Ireland on St Patrick’s Night. The music feels bigger, the audience energy lifts you, and there’s a real sense that everyone in the room is part of the same celebration. Belfast has always has an extra special spark, and we can’t wait to bring the full Bow Brothers sound to The MAC for this brilliant festival of traditional music.”
AOIFE SCOTT BAND
Sharing the bill is acclaimed Dublin singer-songwriter Aoife Scott, whose commanding voice and contemporary folk sensibility have earned her a devoted following across Ireland and beyond. Joined by Andy Meaney (guitar) and Cathal Ó Curraoin (bouzouki), the Aoife Scott Band blends traditional roots with modern storytelling and rich instrumental textures.
Aoife Scott said:
“To perform in Belfast on St Patrick’s Night is a real honour. There’s such depth of tradition here, and sharing the stage with musicians of this calibre makes it all the more special.”
This special concert forms part of the wider Belfast St Patrick’s Music Festival (13–17 March), a five-day programme of concerts, workshops, dance, pipe bands, pilgrimages and a FREE Festival Village in the Cathedral Quarter.
Event Details:
- The MAC Belfast – Downstairs Theatre
- Tuesday 17 March
- 8:30pm (doors 8:00pm)
Notes to Editors
Belfast TradFest is a leading celebration of traditional arts in Belfast, presenting concerts, participation, and community-led activity across the city and beyond. The organisation delivers year-round programming, showcasing local and international artists while supporting emerging talent through workshops, learning programmes and cross-cultural engagement.
- Welcomes over 30,000 attendees annually
- Engages almost 1,000 Summer School participants from across Ireland and the world
- Generates £4.4 million in annual economic impact
- Consistently achieves 98% audience satisfaction
- Contributes significantly to Belfast’s status as a UNESCO City of Music
- Produces a summer festival and summer school and St. Patrick’s celebrations, large-scale commissions and cross-cultural collaborations (Maritime Belfast etc.)
- Provides 100+ annual bursaries, with a target of 180 by 2028
- In 2025, attendees at the Belfast TradFest travelled from 34 countries, and the festival’s online content reached 5 million people worldwide.
- We collaborate with festivals and cultural organisations across Europe, North America and beyond, placing Belfast firmly as a global centre for traditional arts.
The 8th edition of Belfast TradFest’s Summer Festival will take place 26 July – 2 August 2026.
Belfast TradFest works closely with a range of cultural partners and community organisations to ensure events are accessible, inclusive and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on participation, intergenerational learning and shared cultural experience.
St Patrick’s Music Festival is delivered by Belfast TradFest in partnership with Belfast City Council and funded and supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, CQ BID, Music Generation Cavan Monaghan, the National Lottery Community Fund, Belfast Cathedral, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Black Box, The MAC, Empire Music Hall, Mandela Hall and Ulster Hall.
