There's a cruelty to Mike Rice, a wickedness. In this show Mike talks about doing psychedelics with his brother, an entanglement with a Spanish Sausage Dog named Nino, and many other such rotten adventures.

Sweet soulful music from a remarkable band with a remarkable front man. Andy Fairweather Low shot to fame as lead singer in Amen Corner singing massive hits like Bend Me Shape Me, Hello Suzy and (If Paradise is Half As Nice. A hugely successful solo career followed with Wide Eyed And Legless being the biggest international hit from his three solo albums. One of the most respected musicians in the world, Andy has played guitar with more legendary artists than most people can name; Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Band, Roger Waters… and hundreds more. Andy now tours the world together with his band: Ian Jennings (bass and vocals); Paul Beavis (drums); Nick Pentelow (sax and clarinet); and Richard Milner (organ).

Gearóid Farrelly follows his mammoth Glamour Hammer tour with a hilarious new stand up show touching on the many, many, many things that make his blood boil.

AJA are an 8 piece band that replicate the original recordings of Steely Dan. They have been performing these classic songs for over 13 years, with the original guitar, brass, keyboard solos and vocal harmonies as true as possible to the original album recordings. Their 2 hour set includes the entire Aja album, and hits such as Reelin' In The Years, My Old School, Hey Nineteen, Peg, Rikki Don't Lose That Number and many more. The band features: David O'Meara (vocals) Sinead Stone (vocals) Gerard Farrelly (keys) Colm Lindsay (guitar) Tommy Moore (bass/vocals) Serge Stavila (sax) Mark Wilde (sax) Alan Cunningham (drums)

Indie superstars Shed Seven can boast four Top 20 albums and fifteen Top 40 singles. The band from York burst on to the Britpop scene in 1994 and quickly shot to fame. Their hits include Disco Down, Chasing Rainbows and Going For Gold. Shed Seven is made up of drummer Alan Leach, guitarists Joe Johnson and Paul Banks, lead vocals from Rick Witter and Tom Gladwin on bass.

Robert Arkins, the original Star of award winning Irish film 'The Commitments', who played wiley Band Manager Jimmy Rabbitte , on tour celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Alan Parker movie classic with his own 9 piece Commitments band direct from Dublin.

Shawn Colvin returns for a rare tour of the UK Over the course of three decades, Americana queen Shawn Colvin has established herself as a captivating performer and a revered storyteller, well-deserving of the commendation of her peers and the devoted audiences who have been inspired by her artistry. And as she enters her thirtieth decade as a songwriter and performer, she continues to reaffirm her status as a vital voice in music.

Sell-out tours and 25 years in the ‘business’ are powerful proof of the power of the underground and the power of great live music. Renowned for their energetic live show, longevity has not diminished the Levellers’ ability to put in a performance and get everyone in a room, or field, dancing. Brighton folk-rockers Levellers have long been and still are, one of the best live bands around. But, often overlooked is their impressive back catalogue of recorded music. The Levellers sold more platinum, gold, and silver albums in the 1990s than any other act.

Canadian rock band from Winnipeg recognised for the global success of 'Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm'.

JAZZ EMU is the viral comedy character sensation from award-winning writer, actor, musician Archie Henderson. Garnering over 70 million views, 430k followers on YouTube, 10 million views and 258k followers on TikTok and over 74k monthly listeners and 20 million streams on Spotify, Jazz Emu has developed an ever-growing avid fanbase over the past couple of years.  Following runs at the Soho Theatre & Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Jazz Emu will be touring his hotly anticipated brand-new show, Knight Fever alongside his full live band, The Cosmique Perfectión. Knight Fever sees Jazz and The Cosmique Perfectión’s dreams come true when they secure the coveted slot to perform the headline slot at The Royal Variety Show; at long last, Jazz Emu has a chance to secure his long-coveted Knighthood. But there’s bad news; a series of recent criminal allegations are threatening to snatch the coveted prize from before his very, very, very eyes. Will Jazz and his Contractually-Less-Talented-Than-Him band, be able to put on a Heck Of A Show and secure a Royal Pardon? Or will Jazz’s next performance be in the canteen at Wormwood Scrubs? The only way to find out is to settle in and watch the musical fever dream that is Jazz Emu: Knight Fever.

Expect a night of all your favourite rock and roll tunes all while being entertained by the most original show in town! ️

This is a must-see performance not to be missed during the Fleadh Cheoil 2026 Kla & Brass &Special guest Clare Sands Friday 7th August Mandela Hall Belfast Tickets 28.50+bf Doors 7pm / Starts 8pm Please note that this is a standing event. Formed in Dublin in the late 1980s, KLA are one of Irelands most innovative and genre-defying bands. Rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, their sound blends Irish folk influences with global rhythms and contemporary energy, creating a unique style often described as contemporary Irish world music. Their seven members draw from diverse musical backgrounds spanning traditional Irish, classical, and rock, combining instruments such as fiddles, uilleann pipes, whistles, bodhrn, bones, and Irish-language vocals with djembe, congas, brass, and electric instrumentation. Renowned for their exhilarating live performances, Kla also have an acclaimed body of work in film and television, including award-winning scores such as Arracht and collaborations on Cartoon Saloons Oscar-nominated films The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Wolfwalkers. Witnessing this full-throttle performance is a true sonic celebration. Paul Frosts arrangements fuse funk, mambo, and New Orleans jazz with Klas compositions, adding an extra layer of heat and swing to their already electrifying catalogue. The result is a brass-infused explosion of rhythm and melody, designed to lift audiences into a euphoric, movement-filled state. Iconic trad-fusion band KLA return for the Fleadh Cheoil 2026 in Belfast with a bombastic live show featuring a 4-piece brass ensemble. This event will be one of the standout highlights of the Fleadh Cheoil 2026, offering a rare chance to experience their unique fusion of traditional Irish music and brass-driven arrangements, unlike anything else on the contemporary live circuit. Renowned for their exhilarating performances, Kla are at their most powerful in collaboration with Paul Frosts brass ensemble. Frosts inventive arrangements blend funk, mambo, and New Orleans jazz with Klas original compositions, while the brass sections explosive energy and Klas signature rhythmic drive combine to create a riotous, dance-fuelled experience that leaves audiences in ecstatic abandon. Make sure to secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Clare Sands is a sixth-generation fiddle player and bilingual singer from Cork, Ireland. Rooted in traditional Irish music and inspired by global influences, she blends folklore, language, and contemporary sound into a bold, distinctive style. Her music carries a fierce, expressive energy, deeply connected to place and identity. Outside of music, she is also a cross-continental swimmer and black belt martial artist, with multiple world medals. Raised in Cork with family roots in Wexford and the North of Ireland, Clare began fiddle at age three, learning traditional music from her father and blues influences from her mother. She studied Music and Italian at UCC, followed by a Masters in Composition and Creative Practice at the Irish World Academy, developing as a bilingual songwriter and multi-instrumentalist across more than ten instruments. Her debut album was named in The Irish Times Top 5 Folk Albums of 2022 and received a Best Folk Singer nomination at the Irish Folk Awards. Projects such as Trdhreacha agus Fuaimdhreacha and Gormacha explore Irish language, landscape, and mythology through a contemporary lens. A powerful live performer, Clare has appeared at Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Festival Cervantino, and more. She has collaborated with artists including Hothouse Flowers, Paul Brady, Susan ONeill, and Sharon Shannon. With a new album arriving in Autumn 2026, Clare Sands continues to emerge as one of Irelands most vital contemporary voices, bridging tradition and innovation with striking originality.

Belfast TradFest is proud to present Flook live at Mandela Hall for what promises to be their biggest Belfast concert in their 30-year history. Formed in 1995, Flook have become one of the most influential and exciting bands in modern folk and traditional music. Their distinctive sound, driven by the breathtaking flutes and whistles of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, alongside the rhythmic brilliance of Ed Boyd (guitar) and John Joe Kelly (bodhrán), has captivated audiences around the world. Renowned for their explosive energy and musical interplay, Flook weave dazzling melodies, driving rhythms and intricate arrangements into a sound that is at once deeply rooted in tradition and thrillingly contemporary. Celebrating three decades of music in 2025, the band continues to push the boundaries of traditional music, returning to stages internationally with new music and the same virtuosity that has made them festival favourites for a generation. Opening the evening are An Chéad Ghlúin Eile (“The Next Generation”), the acclaimed Irish singing sisters Étáin and Máire Ní Churraoin. Hailing from the Ráth Chairn Gaeltacht in County Meath, the duo are celebrated for their powerful sean-nós singing and deep connection to the Irish language tradition. Granddaughters of the legendary sean nós singer Darach Ó Catháin and members of Blath na hÓige, they have quickly become leading voices of a new generation carrying the rich heritage of Irish song to audiences at home and abroad. Don’t miss this special night at Mandela Hall as trad legends and rising stars share the stage for an unforgettable celebration of Irish music.

Belfast TradFest is proud to present the Michael McGoldrick Big Band as part of our concert line-up for Belfast TradFest 2026. Led by flute, whistle and uilleann pipes master Michael McGoldrick, this all-star ensemble brings together leading voices from the traditional, folk and jazz worlds for a bold, large-scale musical collaboration. Expect driving rhythms, intricate textures and world-class improvisation rooted in tradition but expanded through contemporary sound. Line-up; Michael McGoldrick – flute, whistles, uilleann pipes One of the most influential figures in contemporary traditional music, Manchester legend McGoldrick is a founding member of Flook and Lúnasa, as well as a key collaborator with Capercaillie & Mark Knopfler, renowned for his distinctive tone and genre-defining approach to flute and pipes. Donald Shaw – piano, keyboards Founding member of Capercaillie and current Artistic Director of Glasgow's Celtic Connections, Shaw is a leading composer, producer and cultural figure in Scottish music. Alan Kelly – piano accordion One of Ireland’s leading piano accordionists, Kelly is from County Roscommon and is widely respected for his solo work and collaborations with Eddi Reader, Arty McGlynn & Dé Dannan. Dezi Donnelly – fiddle A highly expressive fiddler from Manchester with deep County Tyrone family roots, Donnelly is known for his powerful tone, rhythmic drive and long-standing contribution to Irish traditional music. Parvinder Bharat – tabla, Indian percussion A master tabla player, Bharat has performed internationally across major crossover and touring projects, including appearances with Stevie Wonder and the Mighty Dhol Foundation, bringing dynamic rhythmic depth and global influence to the ensemble. Ed Boyd – guitar A long-standing member of Flook and Lúnasa, Boyd is one of the most respected accompanists in contemporary traditional music, known for his subtle, rhythmically rich guitar style. Alyn Cosker – drums, percussion One of Scotland’s leading drummers, Cosker is widely respected across jazz and folk scenes for his power, precision and musical sensitivity. Duncan Lyall – bass, synths A key figure in modern Scottish music, Lyall is a composer, producer and member of Treacherous Orchestra, working across orchestral, folk and electronic contexts. James Macintosh – drums, percussion A highly regarded percussionist, Macintosh is known for his work with Blazin’ Fiddles, Capercaillie and across the wider Scottish traditional and contemporary music scene. Graeme Blevins – saxophones, woodwinds A leading voice in Irish & British jazz and contemporary music, from Lisburn County Antrim, Blevins is recognised for his distinctive sound and cross-genre versatility. Sorren Maclean – guitar, vocals Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter from the Isle of Mull, Maclean is an in-demand collaborator who has worked with artists including Dougie MacLean, Karen Matheson and King Creosote.

Highly-energetic stand-up from the actor, comic and social media star who is known for sharing short-form comedic content across a range of social media platforms under the stage name Mo the Comedian.

Titans of Trad Altan & Frankie Gavin & De Dannan Saturday 8th August 2026 Mandela Hall, Elmwood Avenue, Belfast Doors 6.30pm / Starts 7.30pm Two Titans of Irish Traditional music will come together for one unforgettable night during Fleadh Cheoil Belfast 2026, as Altan and Frankie Gavin & De Dannan take to the stage at Mandela Hall, Belfast, on Saturday 8th August 2026. This special double-header unites two of the most celebrated names in Irish traditional music, each with a legacy of thrilling audiences across the globe. From the rich Donegal sound of Altan to the electrifying Galway fire of Frankie Gavin & De Dannan, audiences can expect a night of masterful musicianship, timeless tunes and pure trad energy. With Fleadh Cheoilset to bring thousands of music lovers to Belfast, this promises to be one of the standout concerts of the festival week. A rare chance to witness two legendary acts, one stage, one night, one city. Ticket Information This is a standing concertand is expected to last approximately 2 hours. A limited number of seating spaces and tickets are available for customers with mobility issues, and are strictly reserved for the person with the access requirement only. Seats are not available for carers or companions within this allocation. Please note: proof of disability or mobility requirements may be requested in line with standard UK venue access procedures. This can include documentation such as: PIP (Personal Independence Payment) or DLA award letter Blue Badge (both sides) UK Access Card (CredAbility / Nimbus) Letter from a GP or consultant Certificate of Visual Impairment In some cases, venues may operate through access schemes or verification checks during booking to ensure fair and appropriate allocation of limited accessible seating. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping ensure fair access for all attendees.

You've been called for jury duty. Scandal brews as a disgraced ex-driver stands trial for stealing global superstar Lana Tonneti's 20m necklace. But is Lana telling the truth? Throughout the show, analyze witness testimonies, examine the evidence, answer complex questions, and try to uncover what really happened. Every word matters. Every detail counts. And at the end, you must cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused. Will justice be served? Well, that's up to you. Get your tickets now for The Jury Experience: Diamonds, Lies, and a Dead Man in London! Script, staging and direction creative partners Les Enfants Terribles.

Alternative folk six-piece Madra Salach announce their debut Ireland and UK headline tour. The news follows last weeks announcement of their debut EP Its a Hell of an Age featuring recent singles I Was Just A Boy and "Blue & Gold" which The Line of Best Fit, So Young, The Independent and more rushed out to praise, and Deb Grant championed 6 Music. The group took the Irish indie circuit by storm this summer and rammed their debut London show this month at The George with a word of mouth buzz that saw feverish crowd responses to yet-to-be-released songs on the EP. Snapped up by Erin Barker from T-Time for management and having recently impressed at Left of the Dial, the band are one of the must see acts at Live At Leeds, The Great Escape: First 50 and Eurosonic.

After nearly twenty years away, Solas return to Belfast — louder, bolder and more exhilarating than ever. Belfast TradFest welcomes one of the most influential forces in Irish music as American supergroup Solas make their long-awaited festival debut at Mandela Hall. For nearly three decades, Solas have stood at the very forefront of contemporary traditional music. Formed in New York in the mid-1990s, the band quickly became a phenomenon – blending Irish tradition with the energy of folk, Americana and modern songwriting, and setting a new benchmark for virtuosity, imagination and sheer musical power. Now, after an eight-year hiatus, the legendary ensemble has returned to the stage to celebrate their 30th anniversary, bringing their electrifying live show back to audiences around the world. The current lineup features founding members Séamus Egan (flute, whistles, mandolin and more), Winifred Horan (fiddle) and John Williams (accordion), joined by acclaimed musicians Nuala Kennedy (flute and vocals) and Alan Murray (guitar and bouzouki). Their return has been greeted with excitement across the global folk scene – a chance to hear the band that helped redefine the sound of Irish music in America, and whose recordings and performances have inspired generations of musicians. This concert also marks Solas’s first Belfast appearance in almost two decades. This summer, they return on a far grander scale. Expect blazing reels, soaring vocals and fearless musical invention as one of the most celebrated bands in Celtic music history takes the stage at Belfast TradFest for a rare and unforgettable night.

It's almost easier to say whom Ruby Wax DIDN'T meet, interview and coax fascinating insights from in her huge TV shows 'Ruby Wax Meets' and 'Full Wax'. Donald Trump, OJ Simpson, Pamela Anderson, Madonna and many more. Her provocative, abrasive, incomparable style was - just about - kept in check by lifelong friend and A-list producer, Clive Tulloh. Together live on stage they review clips from the extraordinary shows, tell scandalous stories never before heard - and take the audience along for the ride. Featuring Ruby Wax & Clive Tulloh.

The Wailers are a rare breed of musicians who have earned their place in the annals of music history. Their culture-defining music, embodying the spirit of the 70s reggae movement, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Experience the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a set that is truly unforgettable. Under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr, son of the legendary “Familyman”, The Wailers continue to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound.

Seamus Heaney described his friend, the poet Michael Longley, as: 'a keeper of the artistic estate, a custodian of griefs and wonders'. On this very special tour, Duke Special will be performing songs and music based on the poetry of this influential and renowned Belfast writer. Longley's poems are full of gentleness, honesty, mischief and love and are peppered with a cast of artists, animals, flowers, friends and long forgotten soldiers. As ever, Duke Special is mining a new seam of inspiration, hunting for treasures and what it means to be a human being.

Get ready to experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac like never before with Big Love A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac as they return to Mandela Hall. This exceptional live sixpiece band brings the sound, style, and spirit of one of the worlds greatest rock bands to the stage, delivering a stunning journey through decades of unforgettable music. From timeless chart-toppers like Go Your Own Way, Dont Stop, and Everywhere, Big Love faithfully recreates the rich harmonies and iconic instrumentation that defined Fleetwood Macs legendary sound. The band also pays special homage to the blues-driven Peter Green era, ensuring a truly authentic and complete tribute that honours every chapter of Fleetwood Macs history. With meticulous attention to detail, powerful performances, and a passion for the music, Big Love capture the energy and emotion of the originals, making this show a must see.

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits Hocus Pocus, House of The King, and Sylvia, as well as critically acclaimed albums 'Moving Waves', 'Focus 3' and 'Hamburger Concerto', the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans! A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion amongst the band as it enters the studio and prepares to go out on the road again.

POET; TV & RADIO PRESENTER; CULTURAL COMMENTATOR; One of Britains outstanding poets - Sir Paul McCartney Fantastically entertaining. As a writer of comic prose Clarke is the match of anyone alive, and his turns of phrase are as sharp as his suits - The Times An immensely entertaining memoir that fizzes with wit...Its impossible not to hear him read every word aloud in your head with that unforgettable Manc drawl - NME Riveting -The Observer

It begins with a tale of master and protégé... ...a tale of how then 13 year old Tyler Duncan from Ann Arbor, Michigan went to Ireland and tracked down his hero, uillean piper and whistle player John McSherry. McSherry is the founder of Lunasa, Tamalin, At First Light, Ulaid, and a member of Donal Lunny’s supergroup Coolfin: the most innovative Irish piper of his generation - and co-author of Wheels of the World: 300 Years of Irish Uillean Pipers. Duncan became his student, friend, and eventually his melodic partner in the olllam, a Transatlantic musical partnership. The name derives from the old Irish word ollam, meaning a master of the highest rank in a particular skill.

Twenty Five years later and he is only getting started. Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter and highly regarded radio/television presenter, Doctor of Letters from University of Ulster, a published author not surprisingly for a lyricist of his calibre. Brian has been very busy in the studio recently and has just finished recording a 32 track double CD 'Essential Collection' comprising all brand new recordings from the past and present including a duet with Boy George. Brian maintains that 'music is the language of emotion,' and after all his years gigging and recording with Van Morrison he prizes the live gig above all else. Seeing and hearing is the only way to experience this national treasure of a man. Internationally celebrated, singer, songwriter, novelist, coach on 'The Voice of Ireland', former featured vocalist with Van Morrison's Blues & Soul Revue for six years and on five Van albums, he also was the lead singing performer in "Riverdance on Broadway" for nine months at the Gershwin Theatre in Manhattan in an especially tailored role at the request of the composer Bill Whelan.
 Brian is first and foremost a live performer and songwriter. His own words, "Music is my lifeblood ," are reflected in his relentless schedule, from his first gig in the '90s, to the present time. His constant touring from Ireland and UK to Australia, including the major global festivals, has resulted in a thriving international fan base. Brian has shared the stage with an extraordinary list of Legends like Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Buckley, Moya Brennan, Sinead O'Connor, Eddi Reader, Boy George, Sting and even Richard Gere - but that's another story. 

Come, experience and celebrate that voice, musicianship and personality. Hearing is believing!


Andrew Strong, the unmistakable soul and rock voice of The Commitments, is bringing the same power, grit and energy that made him a global name. At just 16, he became Deco Cuffe in Alan Parkers cult classic, helping drive a soundtrack that sold over 12 million copies and earned BAFTA, Grammy and Brit Award nominations. Since then, he's built an international career defined by raw soul, blues and rock n roll delivered at the highest level. Live, he's a force. Backed by a world class band, he tears into classics like Mustang Sally, In the Midnight Hour, Chain of Fools and Try a Little Tenderness, all with his own unmistakable signature. His shows are high energy, emotional and built on connection, groove and serious vocal power. He's shared stages with The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, David Gilmour, ZZ Top and Bryan Adams, If you want a night of authentic soul, rock and pure vocal fire, this is it.