March 14th – 17th 2025
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW AT
Belfast TradFest is delighted to partner with Belfast City Council to programme and deliver St. Patrick’s Music Festival across March 14th – 17th as part the UNESCO City of Music’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The programme invites everyone to the city to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor traditional arts events encompassing a diverse, cross-cultural and cross-traditions celebration in honour of St. Patrick
Highlights
Afro Celt Sound System have captivated audiences for three decades with their innovative blend of Irish and West African musical traditions infused with modern electronic beats. With original members such as N'Faly Kouyaté alongside new Irish members, MÚLÚ, Enda Gallery and Robbie Harris, the band continues to push musical boundaries while honouring the cultural traditions at their core. This electrifying show will take you on a musical journey from the rolling hills of Ireland to the vibrant rhythms of Africa and beyond in Mandela Hall on Saturday 15th March.
Sunday 16th March in the stunning Ulster Hall will be an extraordinary celebration of traditional Irish music, featuring the iconic back-catalogue of legendary Galway accordion maestro Máirtín O’Connor. Reimagined and arranged by the acclaimed Monaghan composer Michael Rooney, this music will be brought to life by the extraordinary County Louth fiddler Zoë Conway and remarkable 100-piece Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan. cross-border youth orchestra encompassing young musicians from throughout Ulster. This cross-border orchestra embodies the spirit of unity and shared cultural tradition.
Join the legendary Blackwater Céilí Band in Empire Music Hall on Friday 14th March for a Sets Céilí Concert with some stunning songs performed by award winning singer Cathleen Garland from County Down. No experience required – join in the fun as Belfast dance master Ronán Eastwood will be calling the dances.
St Patrick’s night finale concert includes traditional music legends Mike McGoldrick, John Doyle, and John McCusker in The MAC on Monday 17th March. These masters of the tradition have shared stages and recording studios with everyone from Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler to Paul Weller and Joan Baez. Sharing the stage is Fermanagh singer RÓIS whose songs breathe new life into a forgotten Ireland.
Celebrated harper Ursula Burns brings her critically acclaimed album, The Secret Melodies of Trees, to the stage at Redeemer Central, Belfast on Friday 15th March alongside Celtic Psalms who will celebrate a deeper spiritual and cultural heritage through stunningly beautiful traditional Irish & Scottish melodies.
County Derry singer Cara Dillon brings her acclaimed ‘Coming Home’ show to Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall on Monday 17th March. Joining her are special guests Piaras Ó Lorcáin & Jack Warnock, two rising stars who will showcase the best of the new wave of Ulster traditional song.
A variety of music and dance workshops and taster sessions will take place across the programme, featuring tutors of the calibre of Neil Martin, Michael McGoldrick, John Doyle, John McCusker, Mary McGuiggan, Ronán Eastwood and more.
Belfast TradFest Solo Highland Piping Competition on Saturday 15th March will see a selection of Ireland’s top Pipers perform a 6–8-minute Irish-inspired medley, competing for a place at the renowned MacCrimmon Trophy Competition at Festival Interceltique de Lorient 2025.
St Patrick is now widely accepted as a common Christian saint who crossed the ford at the Farset river near the Big Fish, and made his way through what is now the Cathedral Quarter, to establish the “Church of St. Patrick of the White Ford”, which later became known as “The Old Church” or Shankill. Kiran Young Wimberley and Jim Deeds will lead St. Patrick’s Pilgrimage on Friday 14th March and Monday 17th March starting at The Big Fish and visiting sites linked to St Patrick’s story reflecting on how it can speak into our lives today, with moments for reflection, prayer and song along the way.
Everyone is invited to join the festivities to share the legacy and inheritance of St. Patrick through a range of events which celebrate the very best of our traditional arts. Find out more and book your tickets now at www.belfasttradfest.com
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St. Patrick’s Music Festival is curated by Belfast TradFest as part of Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, supported by Belfast City Council and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
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