Third annual TradFest sees record interest

The Embassy of Ireland is delighted to announce that approximately 3,500 people attended TradFest 2017 events across Belgium, which took place from 12-18 June. In all, 35 events took place in Brussels, Liège, Loker and Kraainem.

This year’s festival followed two hugely successful festivals in 2015 and 2016 and was the most diverse offering yet. Events included an art exhibition, dance and language classes and a series of lunchtime literary events with a particular emphasis on Irish participation in World War One and the Battle of Messines Ridge.

Irish music was at the heart of the festival and as well as local offerings, well-known Irish musicians and singers travelled to Belgium including Mary Black, the Máirtín O’Connor Trio, Maighread and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Brú Ború, Na Fir Sneachta, Na Píobairí Uilleann and many others.

The aim of TradFest has always been to showcase Irish music and culture to the widest possible audience. Coverage of the festival reached an estimated 1 million people, with features on RTBF’s La Première, Bruzz, Flanders Today, The Bulletin and Brussels Express. 

Visitor numbers from Belgium to Ireland have risen significantly and we hope TradFest 2017 will have inspired many more people to discover the cultural gems Ireland has to offer.

The Embassy wishes to express our deepest appreciation to all those whose effort made TradFest such a big success and to all those who came to our events. The festival would not have been possible without the support of our many volunteers, fundraisers and sponsors.

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