We are proud to sponsor the St Patrick's Day Music Festival and Festival Village in Cathedral Gardens this weekend. Belfast TradFest, in partnership with Belfast City Council have programmed and are delivering St. Patrick’s Music Festival across March 14th – 17th as part the UNESCO City of Music’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The programme invites everyone to the city to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor traditional arts events encompassing a diverse, cross-cultural and cross-traditions celebration in honour of St. Patrick.
Highlights
- St Patrick’s Day Festival Village at Cathedral Gardens and Saint Anne’s Square, on Monday 17th March will host a FREE afternoon of music, dance and food with something for everyone to enjoy across two music stages, an all-day céilí, a food village, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Live performances will feature McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle, Róisín Chambers & Ruairí Cunnane, Pure Blarney, Piaras Ó Lorcáin, Glengormley School of Traditional Music, Highland Dancers & Irish Dancing, hosted by Declan Wilson and Jack Warnock.
- St. Patrick's Day Céilí in the MAC with Glengormley Céílí Band & set dancing master Ronán Eastwood on Monday 17th March. FREE family fun for all ages, there’s no experience or partner required with expert tuition on hand to help you join in on the fun.
- Belfast TradFest Solo Highland Piping Competition on Saturday 15th March in The MAC will see a selection of Ireland’s top Pipers perform a 6–8-minute Irish-inspired medley, competing for a place at the renowned MacCrimmon Trophy Competition at Festival Interceltique de Lorient 2025.
- St. Patrick is now widely accepted as a common Christian saint who crossed the ford at the Farset river near the Big Fish, and made his way through what is now the Cathedral Quarter, to establish the “Church of St. Patrick of the White Ford”, which later became known as “The Old Church” or Shankill. Kiran Young Wimberley and Jim Deeds will lead St. Patrick’s
Pilgrimage on Friday 14th March and Monday 17th March starting at The Big Fish and visiting sites linked to St Patrick’s story reflecting on how it can speak into our lives today, with moments for reflection, prayer and song along the way.
Everyone is invited to join the festivities to share the legacy and inheritance of St. Patrick through a range of events which celebrate the very best of our traditional arts. Find out more and book your tickets now at www.belfasttradfest.com
