By Jack McGoldrick

I have been attending Belfast TradFest for the past few years, both as an attendee and as a volunteer, it’s safe to say Belfast comes alive in a really amazing way. I’ve been going to sessions, concerts and masterclasses and at every corner you turn there are musicians of all ages walking with instrument cases, or emptying those cases to play tunes the sessions throughout Belfast.

Belfast is already known for its very active session scene, you don’t have to look very hard to find a welcoming session, but at TradFest you would find it hard to find somewhere without a massive gathering of musicians. I was asked to take a session with Ulster University’s TradSoc (up Magee), on the first day of TradFest. The three of us taking the session met in the Sunflower bar early to take our seats, but folk representing England, Wales, France and all over Ireland were already there, with instruments poised and ready to play.

UUM TradSoc’s Session at Sunflower Public House as part of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail 🎻🥃🎶

The week that followed was just constant tunes. I tried to count how many different sessions I played in, but I can’t keep track. Playing tunes from 16:00 until 21:00, heading to festival club, then playing more, was my routine for seven days. It has been inspiring to hear new music, played on unfamiliar instruments (oboe, nyckelharpa, Hardanger fiddle, and dulcimer stand out) to the highest level.

TradFest is a really special time to be in Belfast, and if you are planning a trip, there would be no better time than then across the 26th July - 2nd August 2026. I’d recommend anyone going to talk to everyone, hear stories about session scenes in North Wales, tunes in the Australian outback, and maybe even meet some flute playing distant relatives!

➡️ Follow @uum_tradsociety on IG and @uum.tradsoc on TikTok ✨

Eight days and seven nights of tunes