The Pavilion

Patrick "Paahto" Cummins is one of Ireland's most respected traditional musicians, renowned for his exceptional tenor banjo, mandolin and guitar playing. A founding member of Skipper's Alley, former member of Mules & Men, and now a key force in the acclaimed folk outfit Ispíní na hÉireann, Paahto combines a deep understanding of Irish traditional music with influences from bluegrass and contemporary folk. An award-winning performer, recording artist and educator, he has collaborated with artists including John Francis Flynn, released critically acclaimed solo and duo recordings, and contributed extensively as a session musician. Alongside performing, he is also respected for his work preserving and sharing the history and traditions of Irish folk music. Whether on stage, in the studio or teaching the next generation of musicians, Paahto continues to be one of the most influential figures in modern Irish traditional music.

Donal Scullion is a Belfast musician, bandleader, promoter and curator whose work has helped shape the city's live music scene for nearly two decades. Best known as the founder of NI Soul Troop, Donal has also led and performed with projects including The Vibes, The Unholy Gospel Band and Belfast Groove Collective, sharing stages with artists such as Lee "Scratch" Perry, The Specials and Damien Dempsey. Alongside performing, he has programmed live music for venues and organisations including Crescent Arts Centre, The Belfast Empire, Menagerie and Aether & Echo, championing original artists across soul, funk, reggae, folk, jazz and beyond. Driven by a passion for giving musicians the freedom to perform without commercial pressure, Donal is a passionate advocate for Belfast's grassroots music community. Whether booking emerging artists, leading a band or creating spaces where audiences can discover something unexpected, his focus remains the same: bringing great live music and great people together.

The Yellowbelly Seisiún with Wexford Comhaltas

Trad From their home in the Donegal Gaeltacht, gifted young fiddle player Shóna McAnally and her younger brother Mickey set out on an unforgettable journey with a troupe of wandering musicians. As they travel across Ireland, they encounter adventure, friendship, romance and the transformative power of music. Rich in traditional tunes, storytelling and humour, this heartwarming production celebrates the enduring spirit of Irish music and the communities that keep it alive, weaving together a vibrant tale of discovery, belonging and musical exploration. This event will be accompanied by a live performance from a trad musician before the screening.

Seán McKenna Seán McKenna is a Dundalk-born folk singer, songwriter and storyteller whose work draws deeply from the Irish ballad tradition while carrying it into new and urgent territory. Best known as a founding member of The Mary Wallopers, McKenna spent almost a decade helping shape the band's raw, communal sound before embarking on a solo career. Rooted in storytelling, protest and the living tradition of folk music, his songs combine the grit of the pub floor with the weight of history, exploring themes of identity, community and social change. For McKenna, folk songs are not museum pieces but living works, shaped by the voices that sing them and the audiences that carry them forward. His solo performances are stripped-back, direct and deeply compelling, placing voice, narrative and song at the centre. Honest, powerful and unflinching, Seán McKenna's music reflects the enduring ability of folk song to entertain, provoke and connect people across generations.

Auris