The fifth annual Belfast TradFest is preparing to showcase the best of traditional Irish and folk music, with thousands expected to attend more than 200 events at venues across the city.
The festival kicks off on Saturday and runs until Sunday July 30.
This year's line-up includes gigs, céilís, talks, exhibitions and more, with performances from acts including the olllam, Kathleen MacInnes, Four Men and a Dog and The Máirtín O'Connor Band among others.
The festival is delivered through funding from Belfast City Council, the Arts Council NI, Tourism NI and is hosted in partnership with Ulster University.
The festival also features the annual Summer School, which offers lessons on traditional instruments including the bodhran, harp, bagpipes and more, from beginner to masterclass level.
Among the talent taking part in the Summer School programme will be Co Tyrone’s Ryan Molloy, acclaimed composer and musician Neil Martin, Co Kerry’s Niamh Ní Charra, banjo maestro Angelina Carberry, and Belfast set dancing master Ronán Eastwood.
Read more: Musical storms are forecast - Belfast Tradfest is back next month
TradFest artistic director Dónal O’Connor said: "Our 5th edition is a hugely significant occasion for the festival, especially considering the pandemic years and the challenges of recent cuts to arts funding.
"We will, of course, be paying homage to the musicians, bands and artists who have contributed, supported, and inspired the festival over the years, but importantly this is also a moment to look to the future.
“Belfast TradFest is showcasing some of the best music these islands have to offer. Established and emerging musicians come here to create and perform, and audiences are attracted to enjoy our cultural treasures at first hand.
"Sharing our music and our arts is a vital part of our human existence, connecting us and enriching lives, and we cherish that. We are so excited to bring this full programme of events to the people of Belfast and to invite many new visitors to our city from all over the world.”
