Belfast TradFest announces a stellar line-up of headline concerts this July!
Belfast TradFest is yet again filling some of Belfast’s finest venues with renowned traditional musicians this July 27th – August 3rd.
Tickets are on sale now at www.belfasttradfest.com
Belfast TradFest is delighted to open this year’s festival with a spectacular double-bill featuring Dervish, a global phenomenon in traditional music, alongside the ground-breaking ensemble NOTIFY, who will be joined by the Irish Concertina Orchestra, Cormac McCarthy, and the MGCE Concert Orchestra for an unforgettable night at Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall on Sunday 27th July. Don’t miss this extraordinary evening of Irish music, featuring thrilling arrangements, captivating new takes on traditional songs, and an innovative fusion of Irish melodies with jazz and world influences.
Award-winning quintet Goitse, will appear on the stage of the iconic Empire Music Hall on Wednesday 30thJuly. The multi-award-winning group was forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick’s Irish World Academy. Recognised as Traditional Group of the Year by Live Ireland, Group of the Year by the Chicago Irish American News, they continue to earn accolades for their outstanding musicianship and contribution to traditional music. Joining them on the bill are John Doyle and Mick McAuley, two outstanding trad troubadours that have recently recorded and released an exciting new album which ranges from explosive instrumental sets to heart-rending, beautiful ballads. Individually, they have played and recorded with some of the most respected musical artists in the world, including Sting, Patti Larkin, Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Tim O’Brien, to name just a few. As multi-instrumentalist members of the Irish American supergroup Solas, Doyle and McAuley helped shape part of the group’s unmistakable early sound, which garnered critical worldwide acclaim.
Thursday 31st July in Empire Music Hall will see global phenomenon Iarla Oì Lionáird & virtuosic instrumentalist Tim Edey take to the stage. Ó Lionáird has carved out a long and unique career in music, both internationally and in Ireland. From his iconic early recording of the vision song Aisling Gheal as a young boy to his groundbreaking collaborations with Dublin’s Crash Ensemble and New York’s Alarm Will Sound, and through his membership of The Gloaming and Afro Celt Sound System, he has shown a breadth of artistic ambition that sets him apart in the Irish music fraternity. A twice Grammy-nominated artist, Ó Lionáird has worked with a stellar cast of luminaries such as Peter Gabriel, Nick Cave, Robert Plant, and Sinéad O’Connor. His unique singing style has carried him to stages and concert halls all over the world, from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House and beyond. The combination of Iarla’s unique singing style and Tim Edey’s intricate accompaniment will display some of the finest skill in traditional music today.
Also on the bill is dynamic trad ensemble, Tempest, featuring Brendan Mulholland (flute), Blaithín Mhic Cana (vocals), Aaron O’ Hagan (uilleann pipes) and Luke Ward (bouzouki and vocals). Firmly rooted in the heritage, song and music of their native Ulster, combining the singing traditions of South Armagh with tunes originating from the northern province.
Matt Molloy is a true legend of Irish music and has been member of some of the most influential bands in traditional music, including The Bothy Band, Planxty and The Chieftains. His three solo albums, as well as his trio recording with Tommy Peoples and Paul Brady in the late 70’s brought flute playing to a new level. Born in London but living in Boyle for over 25 years, John Carty has established himself among the elite of Irish traditional musicians. With three solo fiddle albums, two banjo albums, two group albums and a sprinkling of recorded tenor guitar and flute music recordings under his belt, John Carty’s musical prowess has grown to great heights. Brian McGrath’s subtle and imaginative playing is the perfect accompaniment to Matt and John’s flawless traditional instrumentation.
Ríoghnach Connolly & The Breath are a powerful and genre-blurring force, blending folk, rock, jazz, and traditional influences into something entirely their own. Fronted by the magnetic Ríoghnach Connolly — a singer, flautist, and poet from Armagh — the band is known for its emotionally charged performances, rich soundscapes, and fearless songwriting. Ríoghnach’s voice, both raw and tender, lies at the heart of The Breath’s music, delivering songs of resilience, memory, and connection with striking honesty. Formed in Manchester, they create a lush, cinematic sound that seamlessly blends Connolly’s Irish traditional roots with ambient grooves, jazz textures, and soulful melodies. The Breath have released two critically acclaimed albums on Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records. Molly, Carty & McGrath & The Breath will play on Friday 1stAugust in Mandela Hall, Belfast for a TradFest concert you won’t want to miss!
Belfast TradFest is delighted to present a very special collaborative concert this summer featuring Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, together known as Allt, with the Ulster Orchestra in Mandela Hall on Saturday 2nd August. Julie Fowlis, the acclaimed Scottish singer whose ethereal voice brought Hebridean authenticity to Disney/Pixar’s Brave, is internationally celebrated for her ability to connect traditional Gaelic song with global audiences. She joins forces with virtuoso violinist Zoë Conway from Co. Louth, known for her genre-spanning artistry and collaborations with artists such as Damien Rice, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Riverdance, and Rodrigo y Gabriela. Guitarist John McIntyre, rooted in the musical traditions of Co. Donegal, brings a unique blend of subtlety and soul through his sensitive accompaniment and distinctive vocal style. Completing the ensemble is Éamon Doorley, founding member of Danú, whose rhythmic mastery on the bouzouki and skillful arrangements add depth and drive to this exceptional collaboration.
Together, this quartet creates a vibrant and contemporary chamber group sound that is deeply rooted in their collective cultures while pushing the boundaries of traditional music. All four have composed new music and songs in the Gaelic language specifically for this project which showcases the deep historical bonds between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland. They will be joined by the Ulster Orchestra in a special celebration of this cultural collaboration.
Saturday 2nd August in Mandela Hall welcomes Kinnaris Quintet, Kinnaris Quintet, is a powerhouse group renowned for having a style quite like no other- powerful, fresh, euphoric, raw, enigmatic and emotive -quickly becoming the must-see act on the live music scene. Forging new attitudes towards traditional and folk music with their unique and signature sound, the pillars of the band are accomplished musicians; Jenn Butterworth (guitar), Laura-Beth Salter (mandolin/tenor guitar), Aileen Reid (5-string fiddle), Fiona MacAskill (fiddle) and Laura Wilkie (fiddle). The band have produced the perfect concoction of remaining faithful to their traditional roots, whilst delicately pushing the boundaries of tradition, bringing it to the forefront of exciting and modern music. Expect uplifting and driving harmonies, intricate arrangements, and joy in abundance.
Returning to Belfast for the first time in three years, Moxie brings their electrifying sound to TradFest in what promises to be a landmark performance. Hailing from Sligo in the West of Ireland, Moxie have carved out a space all their own — rooted in the rhythms of Irish traditional music but fearlessly pushing its boundaries, reimagining it for a new generation.At the core of the band’s sound is the powerful voice and presence of Julia Spanu — a multilingual vocalist whose heritage spans France, Italy, Vietnam, and Tunisia — alongside Jos Kelly (keys/accordion), Darren Roche (accordion), Ted Kelly (tenor guitar/ukulele bass), Richie Delahunty (acoustic guitar), and Caoimhe De Barra (percussion). Together, they craft a sound that is both grounded and global, familiar yet futuristic. Their upcoming third album, due in Autumn 2025, draws inspiration from Bob Quinn’s “Atlantean” theory, taking listeners on a sonic journey that blends Irish tradition with sounds and stories from France, Spain, and North Africa. It’s a bold, genre-defying statement of cultural exchange and imagination — a rich tapestry of language, rhythm, and identity. This stellar double-bill is a fitting finale concert to bring Belfast TradFest 2025 to a close.
Book now at www.belfasttradfest.com
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, Tourism Northern Ireland, Ulster University and Belfast Cathedral Quarter BID.