Belfast TradFest Launches All-Ireland Bursary for Young Musicians

Belfast TradFest has announced a new All-Ireland Residential Bursary Scheme for young traditional musicians. The scheme offers fully funded places at its traditional music summer school, taking place from 28 July to 1 August 2025. It is open to applicants aged 18–23 residing in both Northern Ireland and, for the first time, the Republic of Ireland.

The summer school provides an intensive week of masterclasses, workshops, performances and sessions. Based at Ulster University’s campus in Belfast, the programme will be taught by leading traditional artists including fiddle player Kevin Burke, singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, Scottish harpist Catriona McKay, Shetland fiddle player Chris Stout, singer Cathy Jordan, tin whistle player Mary Bergin, fiddle player Zoë Conway, and guitarist John Doyle.

The bursary aims to support one participant from each county on the island of Ireland and covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals and full access to the programme of afternoon events. 

To apply, applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and contributing to traditional music, and must submit a two-minute video of themselves performing. Priority will be given to musicians from disadvantaged groups and those facing financial barriers in attending the summer school. 

Alongside the summer school, Belfast TradFest 2025 will feature a concert series with artists such as Dervish, NOTIFY, the Irish Concertina Orchestra, Cormac McCarthy with the MGCE Concert Orchestra, The Breath, Julie Fowlis, Zoë Conway, the Ulster Orchestra, Kinnaris Quintet, MOXIE and Goitse.

The festival will also present a session trail, festival clubs, the Titanic Céilí, a solo Highland piping competition and events including Flutopia and the Belfast Harp Festival.

Applications for the bursary close at 6pm on Monday 2 June. For more information or to apply, visit www.belfasttradfest.com.

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