Belfast TradFest 2026 Reveals Headline Concert Series

Belfast TradFest has unveiled a lineup of headline concerts for Summer 2026, bringing together some of the most influential, celebrated and exciting names in traditional music for a week-long festival of world-class performance.

Taking place from 26 July to 2 August, this year’s programme spans generations, regions and styles - from groundbreaking large-scale collaborations to intimate, deeply expressive performances - reaffirming Belfast’s place at the heart of the global traditional music scene.

Leading this year’s headline programme is Flook, celebrating 30 years at the forefront of contemporary traditional music. Renowned for their distinctive blend of flutes, whistles, guitar and bodhrán, featuring Armagh's Brian Finnegan, Sarah Allen, Bodhrán legend John Joe Kelly & guitar master Ed Boyd. Their performance at Mandela Hall on 1 August will mark their biggest Belfast show to date.

Speaking ahead of the performance, flautist Brian Finnegan reflected on the band’s long-standing connection with the city: “Many of our favourite ever shows have taken place in Belfast. We’re remembering those heady Open House Festival gigs, people seemingly hanging off the rafters in the tiny John Hewitt Bar, barely enough air in the room to draw breath, never mind pass it through a flute. There have been many memorable nights since, including the Black Box, The Duncairn, and last year’s sold-out show at the beautiful Belfast Empire. Thank you, Belfast, for your unique and always uplifting spirit. Mandela Hall will be our biggest Belfast gig to date and we can't wait.”

Opening the headline series on 26 July at Mandela Hall, the Michael McGoldrick Big Band presents a bold and ambitious project from the internationally acclaimed flute, whistle and uilleann pipes virtuoso.

Internationally acclaimed Solas return to Belfast on 31 July at Mandela Hall for a special 30th anniversary performance. Widely regarded as one of the most influential groups in contemporary Irish music, the American supergroup will feature founding members Séamus Egan, Winifred Horan and John Williams.

A special double bill at Empire Music Hall on 29 July brings together established voices and the next generation of traditional music. Fresh from being awarded Folk Album of the Year 2025 for his acclaimed album Curlew’s Cry, Lurgan's Barry Kerr will perform alongside Pauline Scanlon and Gerry O’Beirne.

Sharing the bill are CUAS, an exciting new group from West Kerry whose acclaimed debut album and RTÉ Folk Award nominations mark them as ones to watch.

Rounding off the headline series on 30 July at Empire Music Hall is a standout double bill featuring The Bonny Men alongside Bríd Harper, Sylvain Barou and Libby McCrohan. The Bonny Men are known for their powerful live performances and contemporary take on traditional music, while Harper, Barou and McCrohan bring a rich blend of Irish, Breton and global influences.

Now in its eighth edition, Belfast TradFest continues to grow from its grassroots foundations into one of the world’s leading celebrations of traditional arts. Artistic director Dónal O'Connor says "What began as a community-focused initiative has evolved into a major international festival, while remaining deeply connected to the musicians, traditions and local culture that shaped it.

Headline Concert Listings

• Michael McGoldrick Big Band — Mandela Hall, 26 July
• Barry Kerr, Pauline Scanlon & Gerry O’Beirne + CUAS — Empire Music Hall, 29 July
• The Bonny Men + Bríd Harper, Sylvain Barou & Libby McCrohan — Empire Music Hall, 30 July
• Solas — Mandela Hall, 31 July
• Flook — Mandela Hall, 1 August

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