Running from 26 July to 2 August, Belfast TradFest will bring more than 1,000 artists to almost 600 events across the city, showcasing Belfast as a UNESCO City of Music and a global hub for traditional arts.
Where will Belfast TradFest Summer School be?
At the heart of the partnership is the Belfast TradFest Summer School, delivered with Ulster University at its Belfast campus. The programme is expected to welcome around 1,000 students from across the world, providing accessible, high-quality learning in traditional music, song and dance.
This collaboration reflects Ulster University’s commitment to connecting people and communities through education and creativity on an international stage.
Fiona Kane MBE, Director of the Vice Chancellor’s Office at Ulster University said:
“Our relationship with TradFest is one we value hugely. Since 2017, we’ve worked closely together to build something that feels very special — and very Belfast. It has been joyous to have watched the Festival establish itself and grow over the years. At a time when campus would ordinarily be quiet, offices, corridors and lecture spaces all come alive with music, with people travelling from around the world to learn, to perform, and to connect. And what stands out most is not just the scale, but the spirit of openness and inclusion.”
The 2026 festival follows significant investment from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, supporting expanded programming, education initiatives and community engagement.
TradFest Artistic Director Dónal O’Connor said:
"At a time when dark forces, both close to home and across the world, seek to divide communities and foster a sense of fear and otherness, festivals like Belfast TradFest are more important than ever. Through music, song, and dance, we create spaces where people can come together, celebrate our shared humanity, and discover the richness of different traditions and experiences."
Alongside concerts, workshops and talks, the festival will also include more than 130 free traditional music sessions across Belfast, creating opportunities for audiences and participants to connect through shared cultural experiences.
Through its ongoing partnership with Belfast TradFest, Ulster University continues to play a key role in positioning Belfast as a leading international centre for cultural exchange while supporting the next generation of global talent.
Visit the Belfast TradFest website to view the full programme and book tickets.
