BURSARY SPONSORSHIP

Sponsor a bursary place for a young musician to attend the Belfast TradFest Summer School 2026!

SPONSOR A BURSARY

The Belfast TradFest Bursary Scheme aims to help talented young musicians attend the Belfast TradFest Summer School, taking place from Monday 27th July - Friday 31st July 2026 at Ulster University.

This week-long immersive programme allows students to learn from world-class musicians, participate in workshops, perform at iconic venues like Belfast Cathedral, and build lifelong connections within the traditional music community.

However, for many young musicians, financial barriers stand in the way of this invaluable experience. Your support can make a real difference by sponsoring a bursary that covers the cost of tuition for a deserving student.

 By sponsoring a bursary, you will:

- Give a young musician access to a world-renowned summer school.
- Help preserve and promote our rich musical heritage.
- Be recognised as a valued supporter of Belfast TradFest, with opportunities for brand visibility and acknowledgment in press and publicity.

Beneficiaries of bursaries will attend over five days and course includes:

  • Three-hour long music Masterclass in their chosen instrument, taught by world-class traditional musicians.

  • Access to a programme of afternoon events, demonstrations, talks and workshops in traditional music technique, history and other aspects of traditional music that are generally unavailable outside of higher education programmes.

  • The opportunity to play alongside top class traditional musicians in daily learner’s slow session which will enhance their musical skills.

  • Access to full programme of open sessions alongside the best trad musicians in the world

  • Performance opportunity at an end of Summer School concert in Belfast Cathedral.

Benefit to sponsor:

  • Complimentary concert tickets – ideal for promotions or personal use

  • Social media recognition highlighting your sponsorship and promoting your organisation

  • Invitation to a photocall & drinks reception with students for press and marketing opportunities

    Your support will provide invaluable opportunities for young musicians while ensuring the future of our traditional music heritage.

The cost to sponsor a non-residential bursary place is:

One Student - £150.00

Two Students - £275.00

Four Students - £500.00

Seven Students - £1,000.00

Fifteen Students - £2,000.00

SPONSOR A BURSARY
“It has completely opened up a whole new connection and confidence for me for traditional Irish music. It always felt so inaccessible...but this past week has changed all of that.”
— Bursary Recipient, 2024

A special thanks to our 2026 Bursary Sponsors:

  • Adrian McParland

  • Aedin Cassidy

  • Andrew Heath

  • Angela Maxwell

  • Anne Macmillan

  • Ark Housing

  • Barbara Faibish

  • Barry McLaughlin

  • Belfastfolk

  • Belfast Operatic Company

  • Bernadette Morris

  • Blas International Summer School

  • Brendan & Margaret Lacey

  • Carole Wardlaw & Eimear O Kane

  • Ceol for Ciarán

  • Clare Devlin Education Consultancy

  • Dominic Kearns

  • E B C Gardening

  • Edmund Rice College, Glengormley

  • Fergal O'Brien

  • Fidelma Flynn

  • Garrett Carr

  • Glengormley School of Traditional Music

  • Grounded Belfast

  • I ndíl chuimhne Róisín Mc Cann, Ealaíontóir, Múinteoir agus Ceoltóir

  • In celebration of the life of Fearghal Morgan, fiddler, composer and lover of life

  • In memory of Joan M. Janis and Patrick John "PJ" English

  • Jean Mary Knowles

  • Jennifer L Trempe Thomas

  • John Mackel

  • Lyric Hifi

  • Maggie Smith

  • Margaret McCord

  • Marlane Henderson

  • Mid Ulster District Council

  • Music at Queen’s University Belfast (School of Arts English and Languages)

  • Niall Cochrane

  • Pascal & Julie McKeown

  • Pat & Goretti O'Connor

  • Paul Darby

  • Paul McErlean

  • Peter McClenaghan

  • Peter Stirk

  • productboard

  • Roisin Armstrong

  • Ross & Deborah Perfect

  • Scott Naismith

  • Sharon O'Connor

  • Simon Flett

  • Sinéad MacRuairí

  • Stella Lawrenson

  • The Illing Family

  • The Sunflower Folk Club

  • The Sheehan O’Connor Family

  • The Thomas Devlin Fund

  • Tom McGonigle

  • Works Coffee Roasters

Thank you!

Your contribution makes a huge difference!