BELFAST TRADFEST Adds New Headlining Shows to Lineup
The event will run 26 July – 2 August 2026.
Belfast TradFest has announced two further additions to its 2026 programme, with northern trad wizards Four Men and a Dog and internationally acclaimed Irish-American ensemble Cherish the Ladies joining an already stellar line-up featuring Solas, Flook, Michael McGoldrick Big Band, Kim Carnie, Peter Street, Cuas, Barry Kerr, Bríd Harper, Cúig and many more ahead of the full festival launch on 25 June.
The festival has also officially unveiled its 2026 festival poster, giving audiences a first glimpse of what promises to be another landmark celebration of traditional music and culture across the city from 26 July – 2 August. The full Belfast TradFest 2026 programme will be officially launched on 25 June, featuring an exciting mix of concerts, sessions, workshops, talks, screenings and cultural events throughout Belfast. Festival organisers say anticipation is already building, with strong early ticket demand and growing excitement surrounding this year's programme.
One of Ireland's most influential traditional bands, Four Men and a Dog return to Belfast with their trademark energy, humour and groundbreaking fusion of traditional Irish music with jazz, rock and blues influences. Renowned for their electrifying live performances, the band remains one of the most exciting acts on the folk and trad scene. The band will perform at Mandela Hall on Saturday 1 August at 1pm as part of the festival's headline concert series.
Also joining the festival are the celebrated Cherish the Ladies, the Grammy-nominated Irish-American group whose blend of virtuosic musicianship, stunning vocals and captivating stage presence has earned them international acclaim for more than four decades. Cherish the Ladies will take to the stage at Mandela Hall on Sunday 26 July at 1pm, opening this year's headline concert programme.
Speaking about the announcement, Dónal O'Connor, Artistic Director of Belfast TradFest, said: “We're delighted to reveal this year's festival poster and announce these two additional headline performances. Four Men and a Dog and Cherish the Ladies are iconic names in traditional music, and their addition to the programme reflects the energy, diversity and international spirit of Belfast TradFest.
We can't wait to officially launch the full programme on 25 June and welcome audiences from near and far for another unforgettable summer celebration.”
Belfast TradFest continues to establish itself as one of Ireland's leading celebrations of traditional music and culture, bringing together world-class artists, emerging talent and audiences from around the globe.
Get Broadway News on WhatsApp
Receive the latest updates, breaking news, and exclusive coverage from Broadway directly in WhatsApp.
Love Theater in Ireland? Join The Community!
Whether you've got past experience writing about theater or just starting, the BroadwayWorld Community offers a unique opportunity to become a champion for your local arts community, helping raise awareness of local offerings and adding another local voice to the conversation at a time arts coverage is shrinking in the press across the continent. Join us and become a pivotal part of the movement that celebrates and promotes the arts in the digital age.
Learn More|
|
Murder Trial Tonight V - Death in the Family 3Olympia Theatre (3/08-3/08) |
|
David Nihill: Taking Tangents The Everyman (10/03-10/03) |
|
Stories from the Sea The Everyman (9/26-9/26) |
|
SOME OF OUR CHILDREN Quintessence Theatre (10/01-2/11) |
|
|
Give My Head Peace Vicar Street (4/04-4/04) |
|
The Other Side Of Murder Gaiety Theatre (10/13-10/17) |
|
|
Steve Steinman''s Bat! Bat Out of Hell 50th Anniversary Tour 3Olympia Theatre (10/20-10/20) |
|
To Hell in a Handbag: The Secret Lives of Canon Chasuble & Miss Prismby The Linenhall Arts Centre (9/29-9/29) |
|
Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage Bord Gais Energy Theatre (3/02-3/13) |
|
Steve Steinman''s Fuel Injected Magic: 50th Anniversary Concert 3Olympia Theatre (10/20-10/20) |