Gig Rig - Saturday

Gig Rig Daytime Programme

Saturday 8 August | Belfast City Hall

As the weekend gathers momentum, the Gig Rig presents an exciting bill bringing together legendary musicians and rising talent. Peter Street bring youthful energy and exceptional musicianship, Mec Lir deliver their signature high-octane sound, while the Rynne, Breen, Murray Trio unite three stellar musicians at the forefront of the tradition.

Peter Street are an exciting new force in traditional Irish music, blending youthful energy with exceptional musicianship across everything from lively reels to soulful ballads. The ensemble features Keelan McGrath on accordion, Fionn O'Hanlon on bouzouki, John Paul Reynolds on fiddle and Simon Crehan on guitar and vocals.

The tempo surges further with Mec Lir, bringing foot-stomping beats and an electrifying approach to classic traditional tunes. Known for their genre-bending arrangements, tight playing and huge sound, the quartet have built a reputation for exhilarating live performances. Their line-up features virtuosic Manx fiddle player Tomas Callister, alongside fellow Manx musicians Adam Rhodes on bouzouki and David Kilgallon on keyboard, with Scotland's Greg Barry on drums.

Multi-instrumentalist Tara Breen, concertina virtuoso Pádraig Rynne and acclaimed guitarist Jim Murray come together as the Rynne, Breen, Murray Trio, combining three remarkable musical careers into one of Irish traditional music's most accomplished collaborations.

A regular touring member of The Chieftains, Tara Breen has won numerous All-Ireland titles on fiddle, while Pádraig Rynne is renowned as a virtuoso musician and prolific composer whose work explores both the Irish tradition and the possibilities beyond it. Jim Murray has toured extensively with Sharon Shannon and has also performed and recorded with artists including Sinéad O'Connor, Steve Earle, Shane MacGowan, Altan and Mary Black. Together, the trio bring world-class musicianship to the Belfast stage.

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 throughout the day and into the evening, 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