What's On

Irish traditional music is a living form shaped by rhythm, memory, migration, and exchange. Passed between generations through performance and listening, it survives not as a fixed artefact but as an evolving cultural practice carried by people. This exhibition brings together specially commissioned portraits by Irish illustrator Fiona O'Donnell, celebrating musicians, singers, collectors, and cultural figures who have shaped the history of Irish traditional music across the island of Ireland and beyond. Spanning more than three centuries, the exhibition moves from the preservation work of Edward Bunting and the itinerant harp tradition of Turlough O’Carolan to contemporary artists including Loah and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh. Together, these portraits trace how songs, tunes, stories, and styles have travelled across counties, generations, languages, and national borders.

Something To Say looks at the personal and professional friendship between Seamus Heaney and musician, film maker and broadcaster David Hammond, and features screenings with accompanying correspondence and production notes of some of the work they made together. This exhibition celebrates friendship and collaboration, charting the evolution of ideas through correspondence, in both meanings of the word: letters, faxes, and scribbled notes; but also, the shared understanding that grows between artists as they learn the language of each other's artforms.

Traditional Music on Screen Queen's University Belfast Fleadh Programme As part of the campus-wide Fleadh at Queen's celebrations, a free exhibition will take place at Queen's Film Theatre (QFT), offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore traditional music through the lens of film and archive. Drawing on the rich resources of Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive, the exhibition presents rare and fascinating footage that captures traditional music, musicians and cultural life from decades past, allowing audiences to experience the tradition in a completely new way. Explore the Archive Through historic film recordings and archival material, visitors can discover: Traditional musicians and performers from previous generations Rare footage from communities across Northern Ireland Historical perspectives on music, culture and everyday life Unique audiovisual records of Ireland's living traditions The exhibition provides a compelling insight into how traditional music has been documented, preserved and shared through moving image. Part of a Wider Fleadh at Queen's Programme Alongside the exhibition, Queen's University Belfast will host a wide range of Fleadh-related activities throughout the week, including: Film screenings Exhibitions Talks and discussions Cultural events and performances For full programme details, visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/events/fleadh Discover traditional music through the archives and experience Ireland's cultural heritage from a fresh perspective at Queen's Film Theatre.

The Light of Other Days Photographs by Jim Maginn The Light of Other Days is a deeply personal photographic archive celebrating the people, places and traditions at the heart of Irish traditional music. Originally from Lurgan and resident in Belfast for over forty years, Jim Maginn has spent decades documenting the traditional music community through his camera lens. Inspired and mentored by the acclaimed photographer Victor Sloan, Jim developed a distinctive documentary style rooted in observation, patience and a profound appreciation for the culture he was recording. Working in the tradition of documentary portraiture and pursuing what Henri Cartier-Bresson famously described as "the decisive moment", Jim's photographs capture far more than performances. They reveal character, connection and the quiet humanity that exists behind the music. The collection features intimate portraits of both celebrated figures and unsung heroes of the traditional music world. Many of those pictured have since passed on, making these images not only works of art, but important cultural documents preserving moments, personalities and stories that might otherwise have been lost to time. An Exhibition for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Presented as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann fringe programme, The Light of Other Days offers a rare opportunity to explore a carefully curated selection of Jim Maginn's most iconic photographs. Together, these images form a visual celebration of Ireland's rich musical heritage, honouring the musicians, singers and tradition bearers whose passion continues to shape the cultural landscape of Ireland today. A remarkable photographic journey through the faces, moments and memories that define Irish traditional music.

Whispering Walls Household presents Whispering Walls, a site-specific sound installation by Sinéad O'Neill-Nicholl at The Living House, North Belfast. Using local voices, stories and archival recordings, the work transforms speech into an immersive sonic landscape, weaving together memory, place and community through sound. The installation features a free drop-in listening room alongside a street-audible sound work that can be experienced from outside the building. Presented in partnership with MMAS Architects.

Confirmed tutor - Martha Guiney This class is suitable for individuals with a minimum 2 years instrument experience. All classes are designed for intermediate to advanced (minimum 2 years instrument experience) adults and children over 6 years of age except beginner instrument classes, whistle and sing, set dancing, sean nós dancing, traditional singing & sean nós singing which are suitable for all levels including beginners.

An evening of Gaelic and Gàidhlig hymns, psalms, airs, laments and folk songs performed by five of the finest tradition bearers from Scotland and Ireland. Kathleen MacInnes, Michelle Burke and Margaret Stewart, accompanied by James Ross on keys and Laoise Kelly on harp, bring together songs and melodies shaped by islands, coastlines and generations of memory. Rooted in language, tradition and place, this rare gathering of extraordinary musical voices offers a moving celebration of shared cultural heritage through song.

We normally host Traditional Music Sessions on Tuesdays, Jazz Sessions on Wednesdays, and Ukulele Sessions on Thursdays. During Fleadh Cheoil week, however, we'll be opening our doors to musicians of all styles and abilities for a special Open House Session. Everyone is welcome to join in.