The Titanic Céilí was a “great show of diversity, and an example of all ages coming together”, according to some of the revellers that gathered in east Belfast for the free family event on Sunday.
At least 3,000 attendees were present for the beginning of the Belfast TradFest, with the very best in traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and dance on display.
Local man Robert McMillen said it was “great that the rain held off until around the last hour” of the day, with activities running at the iconic Titanic Slipways from 1-5pm yesterday.
“There were toddlers up getting involved with the céilí, and people of a more mature age in the mix too,” he said.
“It was a fantastic day out, and really showed the diversity of the city.
“After the Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann played, a pipe band came to the stage and played a beautiful rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’, which I just always associate with the Titanic.
“It was great to see the history mixed with that modern wing of the Titanic museum too.”
As well as the main outdoor céilí, with sets called by dance master Ronán Eastwood, there was a traditional music stage with live performances, bodhrán circles, children’s maritime art workshops, and face-painting.
Up to 10,000 take part in the Titanic Ceili as part of Belfast TradFest launch on the Titanic Slipway. The outdoor, family-fun show celebrated the very best in traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and dance.
Performers included the Belfast Wren Boys/Cleamairí Feirste, who continue the old traditions of mumming and rhyming, the North Down Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann performance group, who have played all over Europe, and the Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band, who were formed in 1957 and are currently based in Ballyclare.
The Blackwater Céilí Band – comprising musicians from counties Armagh and Tyrone – headlined the event alongside local trad stars Jack Warnock, Rosie Stewart and many more.
The day was delivered in association with Maritime Belfast, Belfast City Council and Tourism NI.
Artistic director of Belfast TradFest, Dónal O’Connor, said: “Ceilí and set dancing were integral to the social fabric of the Titanic era, bringing communities together in a joyful celebration of the best of our culture. Hosting this event at the very site where the Titanic was built, connects us directly to that vibrant past.
“It’s a truly special way to open this year’s festival and we hope to build towards a record attempt at the ‘World’s Biggest Céilí’ during a potential future Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.”