Up to 10,000 people are set to get involved in a mass céilí event taking place at the historic Titanic Slipways as part of Belfast dance day this weekend.
Belfast TradFest are inviting everyone to come to Belfast’s Maritime Mile to take part in the free Titanic Céilí on Sunday, from 1-5pm.
The outdoor, family-fun show looks to celebrate the very best in traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and dance.
Last year’s event attracted 6,000 revellers of all ages, and this year the festival hopes to attract almost double that.
It will include an outdoor céilí with sets such as The Waves of Tory and Siege of Ennis, called by céilí dance master Ronán Eastwood for all ages and abilities to experience and enjoy.
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On the main music stage, there will be performances by the All-Ireland champion musicians, The Blackwater Céilí Band, with members coming from counties Tyrone and Armagh.
Also involved is the Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band, who were formed in 1957 and are currently based in Ballyclare.
Legendary Fermanagh traditional singer Rosie Stewart and rising Co Derry star Jack Warnock will perform too.
The Glengormley School of Traditional Music is an internationally recognised, award-winning, volunteer-based, community school with a pupil population of approximately 270 pupils.
Titanic Céilí Pipers
They will also attend Sunday’s festivities, with the Belfast Wren Boys/Cleamairí Feirste who continue the old traditions of mumming and rhyming, and Ards CCÉ, the North Down Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann performance group, who have played all over Europe, will join in too.
There will be plenty for everyone to enjoy, with a Bodhrán circle, children’s maritime art workshops, face painters and a live four-hour traditional music session on the deck of the SS Nomadic also taking place.
The free event is being delivered in association with Maritime Belfast, Belfast City Council and Tourism NI.
Artistic director of Belfast TradFest, Dónal O’Connor, said: “The Titanic Céilí on the Titanic Slipways at Belfast’s Maritime Mile is more than just a celebration of traditional music, song and dance; it’s a nod to the rich legacy of Irish and Scottish music that has long been intertwined with Belfast’s history.
Titanic Céilí 2023
“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.
“The Titanic Slipways, once the launchpad for one of history’s most iconic ships, will come alive with the sounds and rhythms that have been cherished through generations.
“As we gather to dance and play music, we honour the legacy of those who came before us and keep their traditions alive for future generations. 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 Ceoil na hÉireann in Belfast.”