Ireland’s Biggest Céilí returns to the Titanic Slipways

Belfast TradFest invites everyone to join the TITANIC CÉILÍ, a vibrant, FREE family-friendly celebration of traditional Irish and Scottish music, song, and dance. Set in the historic Titanic Slipways on Belfast’s Maritime Mile, this spectacular opening event takes place this Sunday, 26th July 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Delivered in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, this year’s event is expected to attract more than 10,000 people once again. The Titanic Céilí will feature live traditional music and céilí dancing throughout the afternoon, creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere for all ages and abilities, hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Caoimhe Ní Chathail and led by renowned Belfast céilí dance master Ronán Eastwood. Whether you’re an experienced céilí dancer or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere, everyone is welcome to join the fun as music and dance take over Belfast’s waterfront.

An Incredible Main Stage Line-Up

This year’s stellar musical program features an outstanding array of talent:

• Blackwater Céilí Band

• Niamh McGlinchey

• Jack Warnock

• Down Academy Pipe Band

• Cleamairí Feirste | Belfast Wren Boys

• Causeway Shantymen

• Selkies Sea Shanty Women

• Buoys of Ballisodare

• Glengormley School of Traditional Music

Family Fun, Workshops & Activities

Alongside the main céilí, families and visitors can enjoy a wide range of interactive activities:

• Bodhrán Circles: Led by the legendary bodhrán maestro Fergal O’Brien.

• Children’s Activities: Maritime art workshops, face painting, and a funfair.

• Food Village: A variety of delicious local food and drink vendors on-site.

• SS Nomadic Stage: Experience live traditional music performances set against the unique backdrop of the historic SS Nomadic.

Quotes from the Organisers

Artistic Director of Belfast TradFest, Dónal O'Connor, reflects on the event's deep historical and cultural significance:

"The Titanic Slipways, once the launchpad for one of the world's most famous ships, will come alive with the sounds and rhythms that have been cherished across generations. Belfast's maritime heritage, paired with its rich musical traditions, creates a truly unique setting. This céilí is more than a communal dance; it is a living link to our ancestors, celebrating their spirit, resilience and enduring legacy. As we gather to dance and make music together, we honour those who came before us while ensuring these traditions continue to thrive. It's a powerful way to open this year's festival, and we hope it marks the first step towards an attempt in 2027 to secure the Guinness World Records title for the World's Biggest Céilí."

Kerrie Sweeney MBE, Chief Executive of Maritime Belfast Trust, said:

"We are delighted to be partnering with Belfast TradFest for the fifth consecutive year to present the Titanic Céilí on the world-renowned Titanic Slipways. This year's ambitious event brings us one step closer to our goal of achieving the Guinness World Records title for the World's Biggest Céilí. We invite everyone to join us this Sunday and be part of the journey. It's a wonderful celebration of traditional music and dance, bringing communities together on Belfast's historic waterfront."

Event Details At A Glance

• Venue: Titanic Slipways (directly behind the Titanic Belfast building, Titanic Quarter)

• Date: Sunday 26th July, 2026

• Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Admission: Free (Registration required)

• Registration & Info: belfasttraditionalmusic.com/titanic-ceili

• Promo Assets: TITANIC CÉILÍ Assets 

Also Featuring in Belfast TradFest 2026

Supported by a major new investment from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Annual Funding Programme, the 2026 festival returns on an unprecedented scale. Following a record-breaking year that drew 30,000 attendees from 34 countries, this landmark eighth edition transforms Belfast, a UNESCO City of Music, into a global stage with over 1,000 artists across almost 600 events in 40 venues from Sunday 26 July to Sunday 2 August 2026.

• Stellar Headline Concerts (Mandela Hall): This year’s main stage boasts an exceptional roster of international legends, including the Grammy-nominated Irish-American ensemble Cherish the Ladies, the long-awaited Belfast return of the Michael McGoldrick Big Band, the highly anticipated 30th Anniversary Tour of Solas, and two powerhouse concerts featuring Four Men and a Dog and Flook (supported by rising stars An Chéad Ghlúin Eile).

• The Empire Music Hall Series: An incredible line-up of master musicians takes to the stage, featuring intimate and powerful performances by Barry Kerr, Pauline Scanlon, Gerry O'Beirne, CUAS, The Bonny Men, Bríd Harper, Sylvain Barou, and Libby McCrohan.

• Special Themed Events: Highlights across the week include Flutopia, Ceol na bPíob (The Music of the Pipes) with Robbie Hannan, Na Máistrí hosted by Neil Martin, and Harps Alive|An Chruit Bheo|HarpsLeevin’ featuring Ireland’s premier harper Michael Rooney. The festival will also host the annual Ómós Sean Maguire fiddle concert at the Lyric Theatre, celebrating the legacy of the great Belfast fiddler.

• The Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail: Bringing the festival directly into the heart of the city, the trail features more than 130 free-admission, Céilí House-style listening sessions. Over 400 musicians will bring spontaneous musical exchange and exceptional artistry to 20 of Belfast's most iconic pubs, including Madden's Bar, Kelly's Cellars, The Garrick, and The American Bar.

• Ireland's Fastest-Growing Summer School: Delivered in partnership with Ulster University, the internationally renowned Summer School is expected to attract 1,000 students of all ages and abilities to the Belfast city centre campus, cementing its position as the second-largest traditional music summer school in the world.

• Grand Central Station Sessions: Partnering with Translink and Linen Quarter BID, the energy of the festival takes over Ireland’s largest transport facility with 24 pop-up céilís, live music performances, and bodhrán circles, transforming a busy public space into a vibrant cultural hub.

• Sober Sessions (NEW for 2026): In an exciting new partnership with The Sober Irish, the festival will introduce a series of alcohol-free traditional music sessions, ensuring an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming space for all musicians and listeners.

• Harp Ireland Partnership (NEW for 2026): A fresh collaboration with Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland brings a dedicated focus to Ireland's national instrument, featuring specialized workshops, educational opportunities, and a Harps Alive concert on Wed 29th July celebrating the contemporary vitality of the harp.

• Talks, Lectures & Screenings: An expanded cultural program of more than 80 events offers audiences a deeper dive into the folklore, history, and contemporary issues shaping the traditional arts, led by prominent scholars, broadcasters, and tradition bearers. 

For more information, full programme details, and tickets, visit www.belfasttradfest.com.