BelfastTrad

Classes and Workshops in Traditional Music, Song & Dance for all, based in Stranmillis University See our website at www.belfasttrad.com for more information.

BelfastTrad Traditional Music & Dance Society is a registered charity and has been providing tuition in Irish music and dance since 1991. Our aim is to promote and develop a knowledge and love of these traditional arts and to encourage participation from anyone who is interested in learning. We are run by an all-volunteer committee and we are open to the whole community. We run 34 music and dance classes per week, three terms per year, supplemented by over 20 workshops featuring some of the best practitioners of these art forms in the world. We are based at the Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, located between Shaftesbury Square and Queen’s University, Belfast. We also support classes for the St Brigid’s Parish Traditional Music School, the Ceili series at Belfast Castle and dance at the Camphill Community at Glencraig. Our program funding is made possible by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Anyone who enrols in our music classes automatically becomes a member of the Society. Anyone else who would like to join and get reduced rates on our events can do so for an annual fee of £5.00.

06/10/2026

Join BelfastTrad for Tunes & Steps: Celebrating Lá na Cruite | Harp Day on Saturday 17 October!

A wonderful opportunity to learn directly from four brilliant artists, sharing their tunes, skills and individual styles:

Harp: Nóra Casey
Flute: Gerry O’Donnell
Tin whistle: Emer Mayock
Sean-nós dance: Aoife McCabe

Workshops | 10.30am - 1.30pm
Instrumental: Stranmillis University College - £20
Dance: The Commons, Ormeau Road - FREE

Then join tutors and participants for a free informal session from 2pm at The Commons.

We’re proud to bring these opportunities to Belfast- come along, build on your learning and find fresh inspiration!

Book your place here: https://linktr.ee/belfasttrad

Know someone who’d enjoy this? Share it with them!

01/09/2026

🍂 AUTUMN ENROLMENT IS NOW OPEN! 🍂

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player, join us this autumn for traditional music, singing and dance classes for adults and children.

📍 Stranmillis University College and Bredagh GAC
🗓 14 September–10 December 2026
🍁 Mid-term break: week beginning 26 October

Discount codes:

• Concession: CONCESSION
• Second child: SECONDCHILD

Places are limited and enrolment closes on 11 September.

👉 Enrol now: https://www.belfasttrad.com/shop
👉 View the full programme and enrol here: https://tinyurl.com/me4rdb38

If you've missed out, join the waiting list: https://tinyurl.com/2z935w3t

11/08/2026

🎻 BELFASTTRAD AUTUMN TERM STARTS 14 SEPT 2026

Our Autumn Term Programme of Events launches on Monday 31 August — and enrolment opens on the same day!🎶

📅 31 AUGUST — PROGRAMME LAUNCH + ENROLMENT OPENS

Returning students, keep an eye on your inbox! You will receive pre-enrolment information by email ahead of the launch, with details on how to secure your place for the new term.

Whether you're returning to an instrument or joining BelfastTrad for the first time, we'll have classes in traditional music, song and dance for children, young people and adults.

Save the date: 31 August 🎻

More details coming soon!

07/08/2026

Got Fleadh fever? We’ve got it too! 🎶

With Belfast alive with traditional music, song and dance this week, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time, returning after a few years away or ready to take your playing to the next level, there’s a place for you at BelfastTrad.

Public enrolment for our Autumn Term opens on Monday 31 August, with classes for children and adults.

📅 Classes begin 14 September
🔗 Find out more at belfasttrad.com

Keep the music going long after the Fleadh ends!

01/06/2026

🎶 We’re Hiring! 🎶

BelfastTrad is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant to join our team.

This role is at the heart of our day-to-day operations, providing essential administrative support across our classes, events, communications, and organisational systems. It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone who is organised, personable, and passionate about helping a busy arts organisation thrive.

As BelfastTrad continues to grow, the Administrative Assistant will play a key role in supporting the delivery of our programme and helping us implement our new strategic direction.

📅 Deadline to apply: 15 June 2026 at Midday

Job Description: https://tinyurl.com/y6mzz5rv
Job Application Form: https://tinyurl.com/4wr2jhkr

Arts Council of Northern Ireland

21/05/2026

BelfastTrad is currently welcoming expressions of interest from people interested in joining the BelfastTrad Committee.

We are currently recruiting for two voluntary roles:
• Treasurer : https://tinyurl.com/42dt3bfh
• Safeguarding Officer : https://tinyurl.com/mryzc498

Alongside these positions, we also welcome general committee interest from people who would like to support the future development of traditional arts activity across Belfast.

Previous committee experience is welcome - but not essential!

Full role descriptions available in the links above.

📧 [email protected]
📞 07875 094 446

Help shape the next chapter of BelfastTrad.

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Belfast City Council

22/04/2026

For anyone who wants to play.
For anyone who wants to dance.
For anyone who wants to sing.

BelfastTrad Spring Term is just around the corner!

Join us for our Instrument Hire & Information Evening - meet the tutors, find your instrument, and get started.

📍 Stranmillis University College
🗓 Thursday 23 April, 6–8pm

No experience needed. Just come along. See you there.

14/04/2026

For kids who are already playing an instrument 🎻

Our new Kids Mixed Instrumental Class is designed for improver/intermediate players, bringing young musicians together to learn tunes, play together, and enjoy making music as a group!

📍 Bredagh Club Rooms, Ravenhill Rd
🕖 Wednesdays, 7–8pm
📅 29 April – 17 June

Led by the incredible Maria Rafferty

Places are limited - get in touch to book:
📧 [email protected]

03/04/2026

Enrollment for our Spring Term is open!

Explore our classes in traditional Irish music, song and dance - learn set dancing, sing in Irish, take up a new instrument or join our multi-instrument advanced class! You can even enroll your kids in tin whistle or fiddle class!

There's something for everyone, and all levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced. If the class you want to take is sold out, just drop us an email at [email protected], and we'll see what we can do!

Spring Term runs for 8 weeks, from 27 April to 18 June, with classes taking place in Stranmillis University College. Our instrument hire & information evening will be held on 23 April - an opportunity for you to meet the tutors and get ready for the term.

Enroll now: https://www.belfasttrad.com/shop/open-enrolment-2026

31/03/2026

We had a fantastic time at our Donegal Fiddle and Dance Workshops followed by a session this weekend at Stranmillis University College and The Errigle Inn with Aidan O’Donnell, Melanie Houton, Tara Conaghan and Anne Conaghan.

Many thanks to Cairdeas Na BhFidiléirí for supporting our Donegal music and dance day in Belfast and Arts Council of Northern Ireland for funding this fantastic event!

Address

Stranmillis University College
Belfast
BT95DY

Telephone

+447875094446

Website

http://www.BelfastTrad.com/

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