The Trip to Birmingham TradFest

12/08/2024

BIRMINGHAM TRADFEST 2024!! LINE UP ANNOUNCED📣

It gives us great pleasure to finally announce the details for Birmingham TradFest 2024, taking place 21st-24th November in the heart of the Irish Quarter of Birmingham!

More confirmed artists to follow!

Tickets go on sale 10AM TOMORROW - Tuesday 13th August via our website! Discounted full weekend passes available until 31st August!

Share far and wide, spread the love. Yeoooow!

17/07/2024

📣📢SAVE THE DATE!! Birmingham TradFest returns 21-24th November 2024! Full Line up and ticket information coming very soon!

06/06/2024

Our top dancers of Birmingham Trad Fest ‘23. Spot anyone you know?

📸

27/12/2023

The 14 hour session in The Snug at Birmingham Trad Fest this year was definitely a highlight of 2023 for us ❤️‍🔥

📸
📍 .digbeth

09/12/2023

An Chéad Ghlúin Eile graced us with their dreamy vocals and witty charm at our Saturday night concert. This was the first time we’ve had them over for BTF and hopefully not the last!



📸

06/12/2023

Jack Warncock, Toby Shaer and Archie Churchill-Moss kicking our Friday concert off with a bang! This was the first stop on their UK tour and they warmed the crowd up perfectly for a great weekend ahead!

📸

29/11/2023

Check in on your friends who were at BTF last weekend. They are not ok… Trad Fest Blues are in full swing!

Tag your friends below if you see them 😍

25/11/2023

Congratulations to our 2023 Molloy Award winners Claddach. Catch them in the festival club tonight at 11:30PM!

24/11/2023

IT’S KICK OFF TIME feat.

20/11/2023

It gives us great pleasure to announce our 2023 session trail for this weekend! A huge thank you to each pub for supporting these sessions.

14/11/2023

THE FESTIVAL CLUB

FRIDAY 24TH & SATURDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2023

£10 Admission
[18+ Only]
Venue: Nortons Digbeth – Doors 11pm

The festival club is a late night event that features performances from festival
artists and other guest musicians, and a trad disco from DJ Paddy Callaghan!

digbeth

13/11/2023

FESTIVAL LAUNCH EVENT

Méabh Smyth & Darren Culliney

Venue: The Spotted Dog, Digbeth – Doors @ 7.30pm
Date: Thursday 23rd November 2023

Armagh native Méabh Smyth has been playing the fiddle from the age of 7 and is the current TG4 Gradam Ceoil Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana. She is one of many talented young musicians to emerge from the Armagh Pipers Club in recent years. Coming from a musical family, she was inspired by the fiery, rhythmic fiddle playing native to South Ulster and Donegal and she has since developed her own unique style. A distinguished soloist, she was the inaugural Ed Reavy Fiddle Player of the Year as well as being crowned the Fiddler of London 2021. She was a featured soloist in the recent TG4 documentary series, Sruth, exploring the links between young Irish and Scottish musicians.

Darren Culliney is an Irish Traditional Musician, Composer and PhD Researcher from Ballinamuck, Co. Longford. He is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist with numerous awards and titles. A graduate from Maynooth University (Bachelor’s of Music and Masters in Music Composition), he is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music at Dundalk Institute of Technology. He is continuously composing new Irish traditional tunes as well as new contemporary works.

The pair will perform a special duo performance this year to launch our 2023 festival, which promises to be one of this year’s highlights and one not to be missed.

05/11/2023

FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2023

Mike McGoldrick, Dezi Donnelly and Jim Murray will headline Birmingham TradFest.

Plus Special Guests:
NXNW (Stephen Doherty, David Doocey, Ryan Molloy & Kieran Leonard)
The Jack Warnock Trio
​
Venue: The Crossing, Milk St, Digbeth, B5 5SU
Doors: 19:00

Tickets:
https://www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk/services-9


Michael McGoldrick Music
Dezi Donnelly
Jim Murray
NXNW Ireland
Jack Warnock

15/10/2023

Molloy Award Finalists

We are delighted to announce the finalists of this year’s Molloy Award. This year we received the highest number of applications since the competition started back in 2015 with a total of 21 entries submitted, all of a very high standard, representing a wide variety of traditional Irish music and song.

Thank you to David Doocey and Stephen Doherty for taking time out of their busy schedules to shortlist our finalists:

Beatha
Collateral Damage
Sinead and Peter McKenna
William Holmes and Ciaran Slattery
Jennifer Leahy
Claddach

The final will take place on Saturday 25th November 2023 at 2pm in Nortons Digbeth. The winner, who will be named on the day, will receive a fully expensed slot at Birmingham TradFest 2024.

Less than 6 weeks to go!

🎪🎶23rd - 26th November 2023 - Book your tickets today via www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

05/10/2023

50 DAYS!! Here at Birmingham TradFest HQ we are curating and undergoing final preparations for this year’s festival. A truly fantastic selection of exciting Irish traditional musicians and singers, that we are proud to be inviting to Birmingham.

A weekend not to be missed! See you all over the long weekend of 23-26th November 2023!

21/09/2023

MOLLOY AWARD DEADLINE!!

Just over 24 hours to get your application forms in! Head to our website for more information. Best of luck!

10/09/2023

Pop up Gaeltacht 1-3pm
Trad Seisiún 3-5pm
@ Nortons Digbeth TODAY!
Come along all is welcome and enjoy the craic ☘️ 🎼 🍻 ☀️

06/09/2023

YOUR CHANCE TO PERFORM AT BIRMINGHAM TRADFEST THIS YEAR!

THE MOLLOY AWARD

The award is aimed at traditional Irish musicians in the UK and Ireland, aged 25 and under. In memory of Anne and Pat Molloy, who were a staple in Irish Music Pedagogy in Birmingham, the award strives to seek out new musical talent and award excellence and innovation within the idiom of Irish Traditional Music and Song and showcase it in Birmingham, a city steeped in Irish Culture.

Groups of 5 or less and solo performers are invited to submit a recording (no more than ten minutes) of themselves playing. The first round will be judged by esteemed musicians David Doocey and Stephen Doherty who will pick 5 acts to put through to the second round. These 5 acts will be invited to perform in a showcase concert on Saturday 25th November 2023 as part of The Trip to Birmingham TradFest. For full details and more information visit our website!

Deadline for entries: Friday 22nd September 2023!

Good luck!

04/09/2023

ARTIST FEATURE // An Chéad Ghlúin Eile

An Chéad Ghlúin Eile’s (The Next Generation) Étáin agus Máire Ní Churraoin are natives of the Ráth Chairn Gaeltacht in County Meath. The singing sisters have sung together in the Irish language since childhood. Their traditional upbringing, deep appreciation and awareness of their heritage, and unique bond, give life to their music, harmonies and stage presence. Their Sean-Nós singing style has brought them all over Ireland, further afield and on screen in recent years. 

Together Étáin agus Máire were All-Ireland winners of TG4’s TV show ‘Réalta agus Gaolta’ in 2019. They have performed with the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra and on various TV shows such as ‘Ceol Ó Kylemore’, ‘Bailte’ agus ‘Fáilte 2022’. The sisters featured on TG4's new music series 'Bláth na hÓige' and can be heard on various tracks on Bláth na hÓige's album. An Chéad Ghlúin Eile released their first single 'Tá Mo Chleamhnas Déanta' in 2023 and their album is coming soon!

Is beirt deirfiúracha iad Étáin agus Máire ‘An Chéad Ghlúin Eile’ ó Ghaeltacht Ráth Chairn glas gréine an Mí. Is amhránaithe ar an Sean-Nós iad an bheirt agus tá an-mheas acu ar oidhreacht agus thraidisiúin bhéil na hÉireann!

🎪 23rd - 26th November 2023 - Book your tickets today via www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

31/08/2023

ARTIST FEATURE // NxNW (North by North West) .irl

Formed in 2019 NxNW are a new four piece comprising of Ireland’s leading musicians. Ryan Molloy (piano & Keys), David Doocey (fiddle & strings), Stephen Doherty (flutes & box) and Kieran Leonard (drums & percussion) make up this exciting quartet.

As soloists they have worked with a who’s who of artists across many different genres including; Danish String Quartet, Séan Keane, Lúnasa, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Celtic Women, Finbar Furey, Gráda, e English National Opera, Tim O'Brien, Emmylou Harris amongst many others.

Drawing upon these influences they combine to create a rich soundscape of music that is bold, fresh and all their own. In early 2022 they released an EP of all newly composed music which has seen them become a very popular band at both home in Ireland and further afield.

“...together these 4 create a very special sound…” - The Irish Echo

🎪 23rd - 26th November 2023 - Book your tickets today via www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

23/08/2023

Pairc Festival this weekend in Birmingham! We’re hosting some of the finest trad musicians across the UK & Ireland! Limited tickets now available!!

Buy now!! https://paircfestival.com

19/08/2023

ARTIST FEATURE // Sorcha Costello, Catherine McHugh & John Blake

Awarded with the prestigious Gradam Ceoil TG4 Young Musician of the Year 2021, Sorcha Costello is a traditional Irish fiddle player from Tulla Co. Clare and hails from a family emersed in traditional Irish music. From a young age, Sorcha has enjoyed performing nationally and internationally. She is also in high demand as a teacher of music, especially in her home area of East Clare because of her ability to transmit her unique style which has the trademark rhythm and swing qualities of generations of her family.
Released in June 2023, Sorcha Costello’s new album The Primrose Lass is a solo fiddle album which encompasses a unique variety of both old and new tunes. The style and flow of this album resembles Sorcha’s love of the old tradition, evidenced through the swing, rhythm and uncomplicated playing of tunes.  Deeply rooted in the East Clare style, yet containing all her other musical influences from around the world, this album keeps the listener engaged throughout. Both accompanists on the album, John Blake (guitar + bouzouki) and Catherine McHugh (keyboard) weave their way around Sorcha’s fiddle playing to create a warm, comfortable atmosphere.

“Sorcha grew up in a very musical family where she was exposed to some of the very finest traditional music, from the playing of her mother Mary MacNamara, her uncle Andrew MacNamara and her famous grand uncle, Tony McMahon. She plays with a confidence and poise that reflects the deep knowledge that this environment has provided her. On this recording her playing is masterful, refined and mature. This, her first solo recording, establishes her as a very significant musical voice within this tradition” - Martin Hayes

🎪 23rd - 26th November 2023 - Book your tickets today via www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

14/08/2023

Post Fleadh blues? We have the solution!💡

Birmingham TradFest returns in just 10 WEEKS! Get your tickets, travel and accommodation booked now to avoid disappointment!

BOOK NOW!
https://www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

12/08/2023

Birmingham TradFest returns 23-26th November 2023. Book your tickets now!

08/08/2023

We are so excited for our Trad Stage at Pairc Festival 🎻 🥁 🇮🇪

Catch the likes of Anthony Davis, Ciaran Cooney, Liam O'Sullivan, Orlaith & Brogan McAuliffe with Stephen McKee, The Canny Band, Niall & Rachel Hanna, Shane McCartan, Aoife Cunningham, Ciaran Clifford, Sarah Markey Trio and MORE over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

Páirc wouldn't be the biggest celebration of Irish music and culture in the UK without a showcase of the best Irish trad there is so we are super excited about this!

Pick up your Páirc Tickets now: https://paircfestival.com/buy-tickets/

04/08/2023

LOOK AT THAT LINEUP 😍

We are delighted to be hosting the Birmingham TradFest stage at Páirc Festival 2023 🎶🇮🇪

📍 Location: The New Irish Centre in Birmingham (Outdoor Grounds)
🗓️ Date: 26th & 27th August 2023.

Enjoy street food, beer tents, outdoor bars, and on-site activities, and witness the epic lineup in action.

Páirc wouldn't be one of the biggest celebrations of Irish music and culture in the UK without a showcase of great quality trad!

Tickets are selling fast, so book yours now: https://bit.ly/PaircFullLineUp

Find tickets for The Pairc Festival 2023 at The New Irish Centre on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

28/07/2023

ARTIST FEATURE // Carlos Sweeney McCartin

Having met for a tune on a winters evening in Cryan’s Teach Ceoil in Carrick-on-Shannon, it was immediately apparent that this trio had compatibility both musically and personally. A decision was made there and then to record.
 
Dylan Carlos – Fiddle Dylan comes from a very musical family in Co Roscommon, an area better known for flute playing. Dylan took up the fiddle at an early age however he is still heavily influenced by the music in his local area. He plays and teaches regularly at workshops and festivals around Ireland and abroad. Dylan has performed with such groups as Garadice, Gatehouse and singer Cormac Looby in recent years.
 
Cein Sweeney – Flute Cein is from Killeshandra Co. Cavan, a small town in west Cavan with a strong reputation for Irish music. Cein has taught and performed music across Europe, America and the UK in recent years and was crowned all-Ireland Senior Flute Champion in 2015.
 
John McCartin – Guitar John comes from Newtowngore, County Leitrim. Starting out as a fiddle player, his interest in accompaniment brought him to the guitar. He holds a First Class Honours Master of Arts Degree in Irish Traditional Music Performance. He is a member of the supergroup Garadice and regularly plays and records with some of Irelands best known musicians.
 
The choice of tunes, settings and arrangements have an assured consistency. The influence of musicians like Matt Molloy, Cathal Hayden, Frankie Gavin and Noel Hill as well as bands like Planxty, The Bothy Band, Dervish and Lúnasa is comfortable common ground for these men.
 
“The players comes with a strong pedigree, the music is quality throughout. This is high level stuff” - Daniel Neely, The Irish Echo

🎪 23rd - 26th November 2023 - Book your tickets today via www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

25/07/2023

ARTIST FEATURE // Niamh Dunne, Seán Óg Graham & Michael Keeney

Niamh is a fiddle player and singer who is known for her folk-infused fiddle music and smoky warm vocal style. She released her first album of self penned songs "Tides" in 2022 to critical acclaim. She has performed on the world stage as founding member of the renowned band Beoga who are best known for their Irish fusion music spanning 20 years. Their album ‘How to tune a fish’ was shortlisted for a Grammy nomination in the ‘Best contemporary world music album’ category. In 2017 their profile was elevated through their writing and performances on Ed Sheeran’s ‘÷’ album. They made numerous appearances with Ed, including his headline Glastonbury performance, and were the support act on his 2018. Niamh is also a member of The Karan Casey Band. She has vast experience as a composer and has performed her own compositions and song with a full orchestra at the The Proms in the Park, with The Ulster Orchestra and in the National Concert Hall. Her influences are rooted in traditional Irish and Irish Traveller music but has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of the tradition to explore new ground and pave the way for contemporary Irish music.

“Tides is a deeply considered and generously endowed collection of original songs. Unhurried, thoughtful solo collection full of heart and soul” (The Irish Times)

“The feminist themes here…throughout the album…. are handled with a deft, incisive touch that rewards close”

🎪 23rd - 26th November 2023 - Book your tickets today via www.birminghamtradfest.co.uk

15/07/2023

FINAL REMINDER! Our early-bird full weekend ticket offer finishes this Sunday 16th July!