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Belfast TradFest brings the best traditional music acts back to Belfast venues from 21-28 July, with a host of headline acts announced today and a full program announcement coming soon.
Lunasa, are considered one of the most influential bands in the history of traditional music, with a stellar lineup; Kevin Crawford, Seán Smyth, Cillian Vallely, Trevor Hutchinson and Ed Boyd, this will be a highlight of the festival. With complex arrangements and a unique sound that has pushed the boundaries of traditional music, this will be a very special double bill with Lumiere at the Empire Music Hall on Thursday, July 25.
Songbirds Éilís Kennedy and Pauline Scanlon, and guitar legend Donogh Hennessy aka Lumiere She effortlessly fuses distinct female voices and intricate guitar playing. A firm Belfast favourite, their charming songs and witty humor make for a fantastic gig and Belfast TradFest are delighted to welcome them to the north for their biggest Belfast show yet.
Making its Irish debut at Belfast TradFest this July, bird is a new 11-piece all-female superstar collective featuring some of Ireland's best traditional musicians and singers. Introducing a unique look and sound to the world of traditional music, this new collective breaks the mold by partnering with Ireland's most disruptive and creative designers and stylists. Its members have won multiple All-Ireland titles and have toured the world performing on shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.
Polka 4 features the high-octane, pulse-pounding music and song of West Kerry. Centered around the powerful accordionist Pádraig Ó Sé, its music is designed for dancing. With vigorous arrangements guaranteed to get your feet moving and your blood flowing, Polca 4 has an unrivaled energy, and this will be their biggest Belfast show to date. She prepares those dancing shoes.
County Tyrone Fiddle legend Cathal Hayden brings his latest set to Belfast to play the Empire Music Hall on Wednesday 24th July. Brothers of the bow features Cathal and his brother Stephen Hayden alongside award-winning County Armagh fiddler Niall Murphy. They are joined by Sligo singer and guitarist Seamie O Dowd, legendary Fermanagh musician Brian McGrath and percussionist extraordinaire Jimmy Higgins.
“When three comets of traditional music collide, sparks are sure to fly.” Together, Mary Dillon, Donald O'Connorand Neil Martin Creates a fascinating tapestry of traditional and contemporary sounds. Breathing new life into timeless Ulster songs and melodies, they combine evocative vocals with the expressive interplay of violin, cello, harmonium and uilleann flutes. Dungiven's Mary Dillon, 'the voice of Déanta', has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and passionate delivery for decades and is accompanied by two of Ireland's finest instrumentalists and arrangers.
The original and best girl band in the United States. Appreciate the ladies will perform their biggest show in Belfast yet. Led by 2021 National Heritage Fellowship Award winner Joanie Madden, the program includes; All-Ireland champions Mirella Murray (accordion) and Nollaig Casey (violin) along with Mary Coogan (guitar), County Clare singer Kate Purcell (lead vocals, guitar) and Glasgow-based Kathleen Boyle on piano. This family-friendly, all-ages concert will see an exciting blend of traditional music, seductive vocals and propulsive step dance creating an exhilarating atmosphere on the Mandela Hall stage.
SHOW DATES/LOCATIONS
Brothers of the bow | Mary Dillon, Donal O'Connor and Neil Martin
€24.50
Wednesday July 24
Doors 7:30 pm | The show starts at 8 p.m.
Empire Music Hall | Limited seats without reservation
18+
Lunasa | Lumiere
€29.50
Thursday July 25
Doors 7:30 pm | The show starts at 8 p.m.
Empire Music Hall | Standing: very limited seating
18+
Appreciate the ladies
£22.50
Saturday July 27
Doors 1:00 p.m. | The show starts at 1:30 p.m.
Mandela Hall | Unreserved seats
All ages
BIIRDO | Polka 4
€19.50
Saturday July 27
Doors 7:30 pm | The show starts at 8 p.m.
Mandela Hall | standing alone
18+
More concerts and events will be announced soon; for updates follow Belfast TradFest on; Facebook belfastTradFest1X BelfastTradF and Instagram belfast festival
Belfast TradFest is supported by Belfast City Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster University, Belfast Cathedral Quarter BID and Belfast One BID.
BELFAST TRADFEST ANNOUNCES KEY HEADLINE CONCERTS AS PART OF THE 2024 FESTIVAL PROGRAM
LUNASA | BIIRDO | LUMIÉRE | BROTHERS OF THE ARCH | MARY DILLON, DÓNAL O'CONNOR AND NEIL MARTIN | POLCA 4 | Appreciate the ladies
Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. www.belfasttradfest.com
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