Michael McGoldrick Big Band - Belfast TradFest Opening Concert

What to Expect

Michael McGoldrick Big Band opens the Belfast TradFest 2026 headline concert series at Mandela Hall on Sunday 26 July. Led by flute, whistle and uilleann pipes master Michael McGoldrick - founding member of Flook and Lunasa and collaborator with Capercaillie and Mark Knopfler - the all-star ensemble brings together leading voices from the traditional, folk and jazz worlds for a large-scale musical collaboration rooted in tradition but expanded through contemporary sound.

Good to Know

• Date: Sunday 26 July 2026

• Venue: Mandela Hall, Elmwood Avenue, Belfast (1,000 capacity)

• Tickets available via belfasttraditionalmusic.com from 24 April 2026

• Part of Belfast TradFest 2026 (26 July - 2 August)

Getting There

Mandela Hall is in the Queen’s University quarter. Multiple Metro bus routes serve the area from Belfast city centre.