Belfast TradFest: A Celebration of Tradition with a New Generation of Musicians

Belfast TradFest is back, bringing a vibrant celebration of traditional Irish and Scottish music, song, and dance to the city. This year, the festival highlights the growing influence of young women in the world of traditional music, with rising stars like Rosie McElroy and Maeve O’Donnell leading the charge.

The festival kicks off on Sunday, July 23rd, with an outdoor céilí on the iconic Titanic slipways. Hundreds of musicians and artists will participate in the week-long celebration, which features over 370 events across 30 venues in Belfast.

A New Generation of Traditional Musicians

Rosie McElroy, a 21-year-old fiddler from Cookstown, started playing at the tender age of five. She sees playing traditional music as a way of “staying true to the tradition I love." For Rosie, music is an integral part of her life, and she's thrilled to be part of a new generation of musicians keeping the tradition alive.

Maeve O’Donnell, a 24-year-old uilleann piper from Dungannon, also speaks to the growing presence of young women in traditional music. She began her musical journey at 11 with the tin whistle before falling in love with the uilleann pipes at 13. Maeve sees the growing number of women participating in workshops and sessions as a positive sign. "It's brilliant to see women coming out and playing," she says.

A Festival for Everyone

Belfast TradFest offers something for everyone, from concerts and céilís to music masterclasses and lectures. The festival aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Northern Ireland, highlighting the unique songs, traditions, and place names that make the region so special.

Donal O’Connor, the Artistic Director of Belfast TradFest, emphasizes the festival’s cross-cultural nature. "We bring people together from the world of traditional music, from the world of piping and drumming, and people from all backgrounds and all ages,” he explains.

While traditional music might not have the same mainstream popularity as contemporary genres, Donal sees a growing interest in Belfast, thanks in part to TradFest. "It's on the fringes compared to contemporary mainstream music, but it's something that's growing, and we're seeing a huge surge in interest here in Belfast," he says.

TradFest: A Celebration of History and Heritage

The festival provides a platform for musicians of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that this vital aspect of Northern Irish culture continues to thrive. As Rosie says, "You have your festival clubs for people my age, you have all your different fiddle and banjo clinics, everything to suit everybody, and then you have your céilís and singing sections."

Belfast TradFest is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of history, community, and the enduring power of tradition. It's an opportunity for seasoned musicians and newcomers alike to experience the joy of traditional music and connect with the vibrant cultural heritage of Northern Ireland.

The festival runs from July 23rd to July 28th and promises a week filled with music, dance, and the magic of tradition.