In what is fast becoming an annual highlight of the traditional arts calendar in Belfast, An Droichead has announced the full line up for ‘Féile An Droichead’ taking place this later this month from the 23rd – 26th August.

The Festival, supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Foras na Gaeilge, is now in its fourth year and will include sports, exhibitions, concerts, talks, film screenings and family events.

Over it’s twenty year history, An Droichead has become synonymous with bringing some of the finest traditional musicians to Belfast and the concerts already on sale for this year’s Féile offer a tour de force of traditional music. Sean-nós pioneer Iarla Ó Lionáird and virtuoso guitarist Steve Cooney begin proceedings with the Féile’s opening concert in The MAC on Thursday 23rd. Other concerts across the weekend feature a veritable who’s who of traditional music today with artists such as Brendán Begley, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Niamh Parsons, Graham Henderson and Dónal Lunny all performing.

Lunny will also be giving master classes on the afternoon of Saturday 25th in An Droichead on Cooke Street. Other free events on offer at this year’s Féile include fife and drum workshops, a ‘Poc Fada’ in the Ormeau Park, a Placenames Walking Tour, traditional music Ninja-Sessions around the city and a very special exhibition of record covers and sleeves from the archives of Gael Linn at the Ulster Hall.

This year’s Féile will feature two landmark film screenings at Queen’s Film Theatre, Mise Éire on Saturday 25th August and Bob Quinn’s ‘Poitín’ on 26th August. 

Other activities for families and children will include the Lagan Lunchtime Outdoor Barbecue on Sunday 26th, Creative drama and graffiti classes for children and the opportunity to take part in language and music classes and workshops throughout the weekend.

Download the full programme of events at: www.androichead.com