Gig Rig - Friday

Gig Rig Daytime Programme

Friday 7 August | Belfast City Hall

As the weekend settles over the city, acclaimed Belfast composer Neil Martin will direct a special multicultural music experience, Connections.

A renowned uilleann piper and cellist who has collaborated with Christy Moore, The Dubliners and The Chieftains, Martin will lead this collaboration with ArtsEkta and a cast of 12 musicians and dancers. Connections blends Irish traditional music with sounds from Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and beyond, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of contemporary Belfast.

Friday evening will also feature Scottish ensemble TRIP, bringing their dynamic, cross-genre sound to the Gig Rig. Born out of Glasgow's vibrant traditional music scene, the group unites the kindred Celtic traditions of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Their distinctive sound celebrates the band's roots in tradition while embracing contemporary influences, with tightly woven arrangements combining traditional melodies, original tunes and songs. The six-piece features some of the leading musicians in Glasgow's traditional music scene: Michael Biggins on accordion, Isla Callister on fiddle, Tiernan Courell on flute and whistle, Alasdair MacKenzie on guitar and vocals, Rory Matheson on piano and Craig Baxter on bodhrán.

Closing Friday night's programme are Irish traditional music heavyweights Lúnasa, a group long hailed as the "Irish music dream team" and whose influence has helped shape the landscape of contemporary traditional music.

The band's formidable line-up brings together musicians with connections to some of the biggest names in Irish and international music. Trevor Hutchinson achieved fame as bassist with The Waterboys, while uilleann piper Cillian Vallely performed with Riverdance and has recorded with Bruce Springsteen. Flute player Kevin Crawford was a member of Moving Cloud, while award-winning fiddler Seán Smyth performed with Dónal Lunny's legendary Coolfin.

They are joined by acclaimed fiddler Colin Farrell, whose credits include Project West, Gráda and Michael McGoldrick, and guitarist Ed Boyd, known for his work across the UK folk scene with artists including Flook, Kate Rusby and Cara Dillon.

The Fleadh's Gig Rig Daytime Programme brings the energy and atmosphere of the Fleadh right into the heart of Belfast city centre.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Belfast City Hall, this free outdoor concert series showcases an exciting mix of national and international performers, featuring traditional music, song, dance, céilí bands and large ensembles.

Throughout the week, audiences can enjoy performances from Comhaltas branches and visiting artists from across Ireland and around the world, alongside youth orchestras, community collaborations and outstanding local talent.

With a packed programme running daily, the Gig Rig offers a welcoming and accessible way for everyone to experience the richness, creativity and infectious spirit of Ireland's living traditional arts.

Event Schedule

11:00 — Loughbeg CCÉ
11:45 — Comhaltas UAE
12:20 — Glengormley School of Traditional Music
13:00 — Bangor Ukes
13:40 — Ceol le Chéile
14:20 — Ros Comáin CCÉ
15:00 — Open Air Céilí
16:20 — Portglenone CCÉ
17:00 — Marcas Ó Murchú
17:40 — Big Belfast Choir
18:20 — Cap On the Wall
19:00 — Ealta
20:00 — ArtsEkta – Connections
21:10 — TRIP
22:30 — Lúnasa