TITANIC CÉILÍ RETURNS FOR FREE FAMILY FUN CELEBRATION OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC, SONG AND DANCE
Sunday July 21st 2024
As part of the festival opening weekend Belfast TradFest are i
Delivered in association with Maritime Belfast, Belfast City Council and Tourism NI, this FREE, one day, outdoor family fun event takes place on Sun 21st July from 1-5pm and celebrates
Last year’s event attracted 6,000 revellers and this year’
On the main music stage, there will be performances by All Ireland Champion Ceilí Band from Counties Tyrone & Armagh The Blackwater Céilí Band , Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band who were formed in 1957 and are currently based in Ballyclare, County Antrim, legendary Fermanagh traditional singer Rosie Stewart, rising County Derry star Jack Warnock, who is hot off the heels after supporting The Bothy Band in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, Glengormley School of Traditional Music an internationally recog
The fun doesn’t stop there with Bodhrán circle with legendary Belfast Bodhrán player Tomaí Taylor, children’s maritime art workshops, face painters and a live four-hour traditional music session on the deck of the SS Nomadic also taking place.
Maeve Moreland, Destination Manager at Maritime Belfast Trust, said: “We’re excited to be returning as a sponsor for Belfast TradFest’s Titanic Céi
Artistic Director of Belfast TradFest Dónal O’Connor, shared his excitement about the upcoming Titanic Céilí, reflecting on the event’s historical and cultural significance. He remarked, “The Titanic Céilí on the Titanic Slipways at Belfast’s Maritime Mile is more than just a celebration of traditional music, song and dance; it’s a nod to the rich legacy of Irish and Scottish music that has long been intertwined with Belfast’s history. Ceilí and set dancing were integral to the social fabric of the Titanic era, bringing communities together in a joyful celebration of the best of our culture. Hosting this event at the very site where the Titanic was built, connects us directly to that vibrant past.”
He adds “The Titanic Slipways, once the launchpad for one of history’s most iconic ships, will come alive with the sounds and rhythms that have been cherished through generations. The maritime history of Belfast, combined with its enduring musical traditions, creates a unique backdrop for this event.This céilí is not just a communal dance; it’s a living link to our ancestors, celebrating their spirit and resilience. As we gather to dance and play music, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and keep their traditions alive for future generations. It’s a truly special way to open this year’s festival and we hope to build towards a record attempt at the ‘World’s Biggest Céilí’ during a potential future Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann in Belfast”
The TITANIC CÉILÍ is made possible through the generous support of Maritime Belfast, Belfast City Council & Tourism NI, as well as volunteers and the dedicated efforts of the team and board of trustees of Belfast TradFest.
Also featuring in Belfast TradFest 2024:
Legendary Clannad songstress M
With their debut album reaching #1 in the World Music Charts, Jiggy have gained a worldwide audience and are now in high demand at festivals across Europe. Mixing and melding Irish traditional music, world rhythms and cutting-edge dance grooves they will bring an electrifying energy to Mandela Hall on Friday 26th July alongside the brilliant trio of Tara Breen, Pádraig Rynne, and Jim Murray.
Making their debut Irish performance at Belfast TradFest, BIIRD are a brand new 11-piece, all female, superstar collective made up of some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians and singers. Their members have won multiple All-Ireland titles, toured the world performing on shows such as Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, The Late Late Show & Electric Picnic, to name a few. Sharing the stage also at the Mandela Hall on Saturday 27th July will be West Kerry sensation Pólca 4 who will excite revellers to dance the night away and surely raise the roof at the festival’s closing concert.
For more information on Belfast TradFest 2024, including the full programme and ticket details, visit www.belfasttradfest.com.
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