Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! Let them take you on a roller coaster journey of classic rock nostalgia, performing hit after hit, live with stunning accuracy and high energy accompanied by an incredible light and projection show, they're guaranteed to have you on your feet all night. Over two hours of classic rock anthems from artists including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Free, The Eagles and Jimi Hendrix to name but a few!

Award-winning indie-folk band from the Highlands of Scotland.

The Oxted Sessions is delighted to welcome legendary 70s folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne. With a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members, fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home, and a reputation for live performance second-to-none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanize audiences and get them on their feet remains undimmed.

Hotter Than Hell deliver the world-renowned classic 70s-style Kiss stage show, by mimicking it in every way, with pyrotechnics, fire breathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars, greasepaint make-up, theatrical costumes and seven inch platform boots. Replicating songs from the Kiss multi-platinum back catalog such as 'Detroit Rock City', 'Crazy Crazy Nights', 'Rock and Roll All Night' and 'God Gave Rock and Roll to You'.

BEL-AOR ROCKS :: OPENING EVENING! A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY HEADLINE FRIDAY It's Friday! Clock strikes 5pm and you're straight off down to the Mandela for an evening of music you've grew up with. Premier UK based, internationally seen SCOPYONS and A Foreigners Journey are the first two bands we're announcing for now! Let Scopyons Rock You Like A Hurricane to shake out those post work feels whilst A Foreigners Journey sing and sooth your soul 'til the clock strikes midnight! You won't be disappointed - We Promise :-) MORE BANDS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

BEL-AOR ROCKS :: SATURDAY ONLY MICHAEL MONROE HEADLINES SATURDAY MICHAEL MONROE: Former frontman of the iconic glam punk band Hanoi Rocks, Monroe has carved a solo career filled with high-octane performances, raw charisma, and a catalogue of anthemic tunes. This will be Monroe’s debut performance in Ireland not only as a solo artist, but a first for him personally as his former band, Hanoi Rocks never played a show on Irish shores. So, it goes without saying, this is one for the history books! His latest album, "I Live Too Fast to Die Young", has been a testament to his enduring rock legacy. Check out the video for ‘Everybody’s Nobody’ here and get a taste of what to expect! MANY MORE BANDS TO ANNOUNCED!

Bel-Aor Rocks :: Weekend Ticket Gives You Access to Mandela Hall All Weekend Long! a Foreigners Journey Headline Friday Michael Monroe Headline Saturday Fm Headline Sunday Also announced to play across the weekend are Crashdïet, DEMON making their first ever appearance on the island of Ireland, SCOPYONS will celebrate the music of German legends Scorpions! Local bands Belfast's Wild Heat, Dublin's Zürich feat members of Stone Trigger join Belfast metal band Stormzone who are back in action with a new line up celebrating their classic Caught In The Act album! MANY MORE BANDS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

BEL-AOR ROCKS :: SUNDAY ONLY FM HEADLINE SUNDAY FM: British rockers FM are the definition of AOR greatness. Known for their powerful ballads and classic hits like " Frozen Heart " and " Bad Luck ", the band continues to captivate audiences with their polished sound and dynamic live shows. Their most recent album, " Thirteen ", has kept them at the forefront of the genre. MANY MORE BANDS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

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

In a world where women are expected to have the patience of mother Teresa, the arse of Jennifer Lopez, the social media profile of Kim Kardashian and the BMI of Elle McPherson the pressure is relentless. Dirtbirds the comedy duo and internet sensation present their hilarious new show ‘No Filters’ which takes a close look at the barrage of bullshit we are subjected to on a daily basis and reminds us that despite what we’re told there is NO SUCH THING AS PERFECT... (except maybe Jamie Dornan’s arse in Fifty Shades Darker.) So if you need answers to questions like: How do I have confidence when I feel lower than a snake’s arse? How do I learn to love my muffin top? When the kids wreck my head do I stop myself from selling them on Done Deal? … then this is definitely the show for you. (Perfect women not allowed in.)

Dom Martin, a 28-year-old Belfast born singer-songwriter, has recently burst onto the UK scene amid high praise for his debut EP Easy Way Out. A solo artist performing his own material, Martin's finger-style acoustic guitar evokes shades of John Martyn and Richard Thompson, with self-declared blues influences courtesy of Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. Expect the driving rhythms and compelling swing guitar of pieces such as The Rain Came.

New Purple Celebration, the band formally known as Purple Rain: A Celebration of Prince, are back with a brand new name but the same “brilliantly funky,” musical extravaganza celebrating the music, life and legacy of Prince. New Purple Celebration deliver a non-stop, hit packed show, spanning more than two hours. Described as “nothing short of a huge party,” expect to see, hear and feel the hits from one of the most loved artists of all time; 1999, Little Red Corvette, Purple Rain, Kiss, Diamonds And Pearls, U Got The Look, When Doves Cry, Cream, I Wanna Be Your Lover and many more… A full nine-piece band, New Purple Celebration have been together for 13 years. Fronted by founder-member Jimi Love, and including a horn section, backing vocals and keys.

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)

25 years since their debut, Mogwai’s latest ‘As The Love Continues’ debuted at #1 in the UK Official Album Chart and is the band’s first top 10 in Billboard’s US Top Album Sales Chart released via their own label Rock Action Records. Mogwai have advanced without a plan since they were teenagers, there have been no secretive meetings to work out the master plan. It is rare to hear a band that has been going for this long, and have this many albums behind them - ten records in and still no disappointments or mistaken creative left turns. You may know what to expect, but you will never get the same. Both transcendent and surprising, Mogwai are still offering solace from the mundane, supplying the soundtrack to whatever movie you are making in your head.

He’s a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten – changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution. The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good. In his spoken word show, I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, Lydon is touring the UK. He will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career, and take audience questions during a pyrotechnic, one-off tour. Lydon will be sharing his thoughts with audiences. He Could Be Wrong. He Could Be Right.

An evening with frontman of the Happy Mondays. This is a fascinating insight into life in one of the UK's most loved bands. Shaun Ryder is from Salford, Greater Manchester, where in 1980 he formed Happy Mondays. The band signed to Factory Records and their releases included the two classic albums 'Bummed' in 1988 followed by 'Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches' in 1990. Later Shaun started Black Grape releasing the album 'It's Great When You're Straight.. Yeah'. Following his achievements with both bands he received the 'Godlike Genius Award' from NME in 2000. Shaun also moved into TV taking part in the tenth series of the TV show 'I'm a Celebrity.. Get Me Out Of Here!' in 2010 where he was runner up. He also went on to have his own TV programme 'Shaun Ryder on UFOs' on The History Channel in 2013. Shaun has recently been a guest on several TV shows including 'Room 101' with Frank Skinner, 'Stars and Their Cars' with Paddy McGuinness, 'The Chase: Celebrity Special' with Bradley Walsh, 'Sam Delaney's News Thing, This Morning and 'Big Star's Little Star'.

Declan O’Rourke is a highly successful Irish artist, acclaimed by his peers. His soulful music, rooted in folk and trad, has attracted the praise of countless industry giants, including John Prine, and Paul Weller. O’Rourke’s songwriting style moves faultlessly between impressionism, and storytelling, and can be at home in almost any form. A dynamic performer, he is at once as comfortable fronting a 50-piece orchestra, as playing solo with a guitar. Songs of Declan’s have been covered by a growing list of established artists ranging from Christy Moore to Eddi Reader and Josh Groban. 'It’s the storytelling and melodic felicity of his songs that really mark him out.' Uncut Magazine 'A compelling vocal range and brilliantly individual songwriting.' The Scotsman

One of music’s true originals, Van Morrison’s unique and inspirational musical legacy is rooted in post-war Belfast. Born in 1945 Van heard his Shipyard worker father’s collection of blues, country and gospel early in life. Feeding off musical greats such as Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Muddy Waters, Mahalia Jackson and Leadbelly he was a travelling musician at 13 and singing, playing guitar and sax, in several bands, before forming Them in 1964. Van Morrison continued to advance on his status as a game- changing artist through the 90s and into the 21st century. Awards and accolades - a knighthood, a Brit, an OBE, an Ivor Novello, 6 Grammys, honourary doctorates from Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster, entry into The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and the French Ordres Des Artes Et Des Lettres - attested to the international reach of Van’s musical art. With one of the most revered catalogues in music history and his unparalleled talents as composer, singer and performer Morrison’s past achievements loom large. But, as throughout his extraordinary career, how that past informs his future achievements and still stirs excitement and keen anticipation.

The Orb virtually invented the electronic genre known as ambient house, resurrecting slower, more soulful rhythms and providing a soundtrack for early-morning ravers once the clubs closed their doors. Founded in 1988 by Alex Paterson and The KLF member Jimmy Cauty, membership of The Orb has been fluid over the years, with Paterson remaining the only constant throughout. The Orb released their fifteenth studio album, ‘No Sounds Are Out of Bounds’, in 2018 via Cooking Vinyl. These fifteen albums plus EPs, singles, compilations and live recordings have influenced countless other musicians along the way.

Autechre are an English electronic music duo consisting of Rob Brown and Sean Booth, both from Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Full band show!

A Louisiana-native turned Nashville-resident, Mary Gauthier (it’s French - pronounced Go-SHAY) has had an extraordinary life. A teenage runaway who found her first shelter among addicts and drag queens, struggled with drug addiction and became a chef/owner of three restaurants in Boston before selling them in 2001 to become a full time songwriter. She has subsequently received countless accolades for her six studio albums. The New York Times music writer John Pareles picked 2001’s Filth and Fire as the #1 Indy release of the year, 2005’s Mercy Now earned her the Americana Music Association’s New/Emerging Artist of the Year title and 2011’s The Foundling was named as one of the Records of the Year by the LA Times. Trouble and Love, her first studio CD since 2010, was co-produced by Mary with Patrick Granado (whose credits include Grammys for a Delbert McClinton record he produced and a tribute CD to Stephen Foster), recorded in Ricky Skaggs studio outside Nashville and features the support of Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Ashley Cleveland. One track from Trouble and Love, How You Learn To Live Alone, co-written with Gretchen Peters, was chosen for Season II of the hit TV show Nashville. On the record, the legendary Duane Eddy plays guitar on this song.

Fuego Fatale presents EMO PROM a night of heartbreak, heat, and hedonism where your favorite emo anthems meet jaw-dropping performances.

John William Grant is an American and Icelandic singer, musician, and songwriter. He first became known as the co-founder, lead singer, pianist, and primary songwriter for the alternative rock band the Czars.

His standout debut album, First Mind, in 2015 was the introduction of an artist who shirked the conventional and side-stepped the expected. It was a record of opposing shades, all leftfield rhythms, and harnessing an exquisitely natural guitarist doing extraordinary things, painting unique colours across a very moreish collection of songs. It was quite peerless, and translated to the stage alongside fine collection of talented players that formed his band. Nick's return with the first fruits of his new album sessions has brought with it his own outlook on a world that can't decide which direction it's going, or quite what to do with itself. We're all hastily trying to find our spot within these times, and Nick is no exception, but if clarity is part-resolved by a call to arms, perhaps it's time to make that call. Unconditional, the first new music from Mulvey in over two years, is a multi-layered, groove-based tune that doesn't stray too far from First Mind, but far enough to sound fresh, unique and exciting.

Paul, Dave & Dom have been busy in the studio recording their 7th album. This will be the follow up to 2013’s much acclaimed Chop Chop, which was their third Number 1 in Ireland, and their fourth consecutive album to be nominated for a Choice prize. The acoustic shows feature new songs along with favourites from their much-loved catalogue. Bell X1 embarked on their first acoustic tour in 2008 and over the last seven years through these stripped back performances; they’ve shown off a different, more intimate side.

Brian Bilston and Henry Normal appear together for the first time in a show which one critic has described as “two people reading some poems”. Along the way, they will be drawing on their vast catalogue of crowd favourites – and throwing in new poems, to prevent becoming their own tribute bands. Not ones to overpromise, Brian and Henry are prepared to commit to delivering the greatest poetry show in the history of the world or their names aren’t Brian Bilston and Henry Normal. An evening of poems to be enjoyed not endured.

Matt Molloy is a true legend of Irish music and has been member of some of the most influential bands in traditional music, including The Bothy Band, Planxty and The Chieftains. His three solo albums, as well as his trio recording with Tommy Peoples and Paul Brady in the late 70’s brought flute playing to a new level. Born in London but living in Boyle for over 25 years, John Carty has established himself among the elite of Irish traditional musicians. With three solo fiddle albums, two banjo albums, two group albums and a sprinkling of recorded tenor guitar and flute music recordings under his belt, John Carty’s musical prowess has grown to great heights. He is also a member of the bands At the Racket and Patrick Street. Most recently John arranged and played all the traditional music elements in the film Brooklyn. Brian McGrath’s subtle and imaginative playing is the perfect accompaniment to Matt and John’s unique duet. Brian has toured extensively, playing with all the biggest names in Irish traditional music, including Frankie Gavin, Noel Hill, Dé Dannan and Eleanor Shanley to name a few. “…it doesn’t get much better than this” Hotpress Ríoghnach Connolly & The Breath are a powerful and genre-blurring force, blending folk, rock, jazz, and traditional influences into something entirely their own. Fronted by the magnetic Ríoghnach Connolly — a singer, flautist, and poet from Armagh — the band is known for its emotionally charged performances, rich soundscapes, and fearless songwriting. Ríoghnach’s voice, both raw and tender, lies at the heart of The Breath’s music, delivering songs of resilience, memory, and connection with striking honesty. Formed in Manchester, they create a lush, cinematic sound that seamlessly blends Connolly’s Irish traditional roots with ambient grooves, jazz textures, and soulful melodies. The Breath have released critically acclaimed albums on Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records, including Carry Your Kin and Let the Cards Fall, earning praise for their lyrical depth and expansive musical vision. “Folk roots but different horizons... the jaw-droppingly stunning, woozy voice of Ríoghnach Connolly” - The Guardian Venue & Event Information: This venue is wheelchair accessible Seated only Full bar available 18+

Belfast TradFest is delighted to present a very special collaborative concert featuring Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, together known as Allt, with the Ulster Orchestra. Julie Fowlis, the acclaimed Scottish singer whose ethereal voice brought Hebridean authenticity to Disney/Pixar’s Brave, is internationally celebrated for her ability to connect traditional Gaelic song with global audiences. She joins forces with virtuoso violinist Zoë Conway from Co. Louth, known for her genre-spanning artistry and collaborations with artists such as Damien Rice, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Riverdance, and Rodrigo y Gabriela. Guitarist John McIntyre, rooted in the musical traditions of Co. Donegal, brings a unique blend of subtlety and soul through his sensitive accompaniment and distinctive vocal style. Completing the ensemble is Éamon Doorley, founding member of Danú, whose rhythmic mastery on the bouzouki and skillful arrangements add depth and drive to this exceptional collaboration. Together, this quartet creates a vibrant and contemporary chamber group sound that is deeply rooted in their collective cultures while pushing the boundaries of traditional music. All four have composed new music and songs in the Gaelic language for this project. Their performances, with tight vocal harmonies alongside thoughtful and spacious arrangements are a testament to the power of cultural collaboration and showcase the deep historical bonds between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland. Tonight, they will be joined by the Ulster Orchestra in a special celebration of this cultural collaboration. ‘Musical magic’ - The Irish Times Venue & Event Information: This venue is wheelchair accessible Seated only Full bar available All ages, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

Returning to Belfast for the first time in three years, Moxie brings their electrifying sound to TradFest in what promises to be a landmark performance. Hailing from Sligo in the West of Ireland, Moxie have carved out a space all their own — rooted in the rhythms of Irish traditional music but fearlessly pushing its boundaries, reimagining it for a new generation. At the core of the band’s sound is the powerful voice and presence of Julia Spanu — a multilingual vocalist whose heritage spans France, Italy, Vietnam, and Tunisia — alongside Jos Kelly (keys/accordion), Darren Roche (accordion), Ted Kelly (tenor guitar/ukulele bass), Richie Delahunty (acoustic guitar), and Caoimhe De Barra (percussion). Together, they craft a sound that is both grounded and global, familiar yet futuristic. Their upcoming third album, due in Autumn 2025, draws inspiration from Bob Quinn’s “Atlantean” theory, taking listeners on a sonic journey that blends Irish tradition with sounds and stories from France, Spain, and North Africa. It’s a bold, genre-defying statement of cultural exchange and imagination — a rich tapestry of language, rhythm, and identity. With Moxie, tradition isn’t just preserved — it’s reimagined, reshaped, and re-energised. “Irresistible revolutionary energy” – The Irish Times Kinnaris Quintet, is a powerhouse group renowned for having a style quite like no other- powerful, fresh, euphoric, raw, enigmatic and emotive - quickly becoming the must-see act on the live music scene. Forging new attitudes towards traditional and folk music with their unique and signature sound, the pillars of the band are accomplished musicians; Jenn Butterworth (guitar), Laura-Beth Salter (mandolin/tenor guitar), Aileen Reid (5-string fiddle), Fiona MacAskill (fiddle) and Laura Wilkie (fiddle). The band have produced the perfect concoction of remaining faithful to their traditional roots, whilst delicately pushing the boundaries of tradition, bringing it to the forefront of exciting and modern music. Expect uplifting and driving harmonies, intricate arrangements, and joy in abundance. “A fearless and unconventional exploration of traditional music as this powerhouse of a band takes Irish, Scottish, and Bluegrass by the hand and spins them into an album as unique and innovative as it is technically dazzling” - Folk Radio Venue & Event Information: This venue is wheelchair accessible Standing only Full bar available 18+

Son of the late, great Ian who channels some of his dad's sardonic, storytelling talent and lean funk backing but ultimately comes out as his own man.

Big Love are a fully live 6 piece Fleetwood Mac tribute. This exciting show includes all the timeless classics of the phenomenally successful Buckingham/ Nicks era of the band while paying homage to the classic Peter Green lineup. Big Loves attention to detail accurately captures the essence of the band who have captured the imagination of 3 generations of fans.