Halina Rice is a London-based electronic musician and AV artist renowned for her vivid and eclectic style.

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. ★★★★ ½ “A PHENOMENAL WORDSMITH, AND WORLD CLASS RACONTEUR” Chortle “IRELAND HAS YET ANOTHER LEGENDARY COMEDIAN” Dan Nightingale

BAFTA and British Comedy Award-winning Irish stand-up Aisling Bea is hitting the road. With tales of travel, home, immigration, history, sex, babies, music, lovers and enemies. She will even answer your big life questions. It’s not about the destination babes, it’s about the journey, but also the destinations are very important, so check out if she is coming to one near you. As seen on Taskmaster, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Last One Laughing, Live at the Apollo, Travel Man and creator, writer and star of the award-winning Channel 4 and Hulu series This Way Up.

Legendary Manchester band Happy Mondays. The Happy Mondays’ classic line-up of front man Shaun Ryder, Bez (freaky dancing and percussion), Rowetta (vocals), Gary Whelan (drums), Paul Ryder (bass), Mark Day (guitar) and Dan Broad (MD/guitar/keys) will perform timeless hits such as Step On, Kinky Afro, Hallelujah, W.F.L., Loose Fit, Judge Fudge and 24 Hour Party People, amongst many others. After signing to Tony Wilson’s Factory Records, the late ‘80s saw the Happy Mondays become the pioneers of the Madchester sound, as they blended their love of funk, rock, psychedelia and house with the sounds of the UK’s emerging rave scene. The band’s third album, 1990’s platinum-selling ‘Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches’, led to the Happy Mondays crossing over into the mainstream to become icons of Britain’s biggest cultural phenomenon for a generation. In 2016, the Happy Mondays won the Ivor Novello’s Inspiration Award, further cementing their reputation as one of Britain’s most influential and loved bands.

Tide Lines are a 4 piece band originally from the Highlands of Scotland. Whilst their music is heavily influenced by and rooted in the places they grew up in they produce a highly eclectic sound. Imagine a '70s Bruce Springsteen but with bagpipes and electronics in the E-Street band and you’re probably just about there!

/////// FULLY SEATED SHOW /////// Thijs van Leer Pierre van der Linden Menno Gootjes Udo Pannekeet. Following the release of their latest studio album Focus 12, the band will tour Europe to give their loyal fans what they always want - a good time and timeless music, each song breathtakingly unique and each performance different to the one before. We have had 50 years of this amazingly spectacular show, and Focus have achieved so much in this time span. In the 1970's Polydor's record plant closed to other bands to press nothing but Focus records for ten days to meet demand. They became a favourite of Bob Harris on The Old Grey Whistle Test Held Top 10 positions in the UK charts in both singles and albums. Focus featured in the orchestra pit for Victor Spine s musical Hair They were soundtracked on a 2010 football World Cup commercial featuring Wayne Rooney Hocus Pocus was featured in the iconic car chase sequence in the 2017 movie Baby Driver. They featured in Disneys Classic Trolls World Tour movie, 2020. www.focustheband.co.uk [http://www.focustheband.co.uk]

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).

Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips. - Acoustic Richard Thompsons influence on modern music is immense. As a teenager in the 1960s, he co-founded the pioneering group Fairport Convention, helping to create the distinctive sound of British Folk Rock. By the age of 21, he had left the band to embark on a decade-long musical partnership with his then-wife, Linda Thompson, followed by more than 30 years as a celebrated solo artist. In recent years, Thompson has collaborated with Zara Phillips, a talented musician known for her exceptional vocal and instrumental skills, bringing a fresh dynamic to his performances while maintaining the rich tradition of his music. In 2011, Thompson was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The Los Angeles Times hailed him as the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix, while Rolling Stone placed him among the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time. He has received lifetime achievement honours from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the Americana Music Association, and the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards. His song 1952 Vincent Black Lightning was listed in TIME Magazines 100 Greatest Songs Since 1923. A remarkable array of artists including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, David Byrne, Don Henley, and Los Lobos have recorded his songs. His vast body of work includes multiple Grammy-nominated albums and acclaimed soundtracks such as Werner Herzogs Grizzly Man and The Cold Blue (2019). Known for their combined musical chemistry, Thompson and Phillips deliver performances full of energy, virtuosity, and wit, attracting new audiences while celebrating the legacy of Folk Rock. In May 2024, Thompson released Ship to Shore, his first studio album in six years, to widespread critical acclaim.

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)

Literary phenomenon John Cooper Clarke is a British cult hero. Known as the “Godfather of Punk Poetry” and the original people’s poet, John’s cultural influence spans literature, music and fashion. From creating some of the most iconic poetry of the modern era, including the world’s most popular wedding poem “I Wanna Be Yours” (which has over a billion streams in its incarnation as a hit record by the Arctic Monkeys) to sharing his life story through his best selling memoir of the same name which is full of John’s much-loved sardonic wit and hilarious ponderings on modern life. John is referenced as a major influence not just by the Arctic Monkeys but also by artists across the globe… As well as musicians like Alex Turner, The Sleaford Mods and Plan B, his legendary number “Evidently Chickentown” plays out the penultimate episode of The Sopranos. Watching John Cooper Clarke perform is an opportunity to see a living legend at the top of his game. Doctor John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s. Captivating audiences with his unique poetry and delivery style, he clawed his way up from working men’s clubs and cabaret venues in his native Salford and Manchester, to become one of the most prolific figures in punk. John’s early live shows were renowned occasions, and headline gigs were supported by many soon-to-be superstars including Joy Division, New Order and Duran Duran, as well as playing as special guest on shows by the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Clash. After the release of his seminal album on CBS “Snap, Crackle and Bop” where John’s poems were put to music by the legendary music producer Martin Hannett, he was firmly established as one of the most important artists of the Punk era. His recorded album was followed by the release of his first collection 10 Years in an Open Necked Shirt. The book is one of the best-selling poetry anthologies ever in the UK, Canada and Australia. As relevant and vibrant as ever, John Cooper Clarke’s influence is just as visible in contemporary pop culture, with his trademark ‘look’ resonating with fashion-conscious individuals across all demographics and his poetry features in the UK national curriculum syllabus. Having had a groundbreaking effect on modern music, his influence can be eard within the social observations of the Arctic Monkeys, amongst many others. His sense of humor resounds throughout his career, and his latest live show is a mix of classic verse, new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat.

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.

An intimate show from Editors frontman Tom Smith, playing songs from his debut solo record and his Editors catalogue.

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.

HELLFAST is back and better than ever, get ready to raise hell with this one of a kind competition featuring the best in alternative drag, burlesque, pole, sideshow and more. Leaving everyone wondering who will be the next MX HELLFAST. Tickets are limited and will be sold in phases so make sure to grab yours while you can!

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.

Fuego Fatale are back and ready to rock! Join us for our first NI cabaret of the year, expect fire, pole, circus, burlesque, danger acts and much much more. You wont want to miss the biggest metal event of the summer so grab your tickets now!

Known for her powerful storytelling, lightning-fast wit, and hilariously irreverent musical interludes, Emer has cemented herself as one of Ireland’s most exciting comedic voices. Recently named one of the top 10 new comic talents in the UK by Channel 4, Emer’s star continues to ascend sharply. She has also recently been commissioned by Channel 4 to write and star in sitcom Socially Awkward - a hilarious, heartfelt sitcom about her life as an autistic adult. Perfectly Chaotic sees Emer dive into the beautiful mess of modern life - from questionable decisions to personal revelations, from daily disasters to the unexpected moments that shape us. Delivered with Emer’s trademark honesty, musical brilliance, and no-holds-barred humour, this show promises belly laughs, emotional whiplash, and more than a few moments of “I probably shouldn’t relate to this... but I absolutely do.” A heartfelt, laugh-out-loud rollercoaster you won’t want to miss.

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.

Started as a fun experiment in the kitchen of a house in Perrystown, The Scratch are a 4-piece acoustic act from Dublin, Ireland. Born from a shared love of acoustic guitar, metal and traditional Irish music, The Scratch have moulded triumphant melodies with the groove and intensity of metal.

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.