Tullamore prepares for exciting TradFest weekend

The sound of fiddles, flutes and lively tunes will once again fill the streets of Tullamore as Tullamore TradFest returns this weekend, bringing a packed schedule of traditional music, culture and community celebration to the town.

With ticket sales already proving strong for the festival’s headline concerts, organisers are now encouraging the wider community to come along and enjoy the many free family-friendly and inclusive events taking place throughout the festival, from Friday to Sunday.

While the festival features major ticketed concerts at the Bridge House Hotel, much of the magic of TradFest happens in the open — in the town square, libraries, cafés and pubs — where audiences can experience traditional music up close and free of charge.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Family Entertainment Stage in O’Connor Square, where a lively afternoon of music will take place on the festival Gig Rig on Sunday involving local groups, talented young musicians and visiting performers.

Families can also enjoy a wide variety of activities designed especially for younger audiences and those discovering traditional music for the first time. A popular feature returning this year is the “Try an Instrument” experience, where children and adults can get hands-on with instruments such as the harp, uilleann pipes and bouzouki with guidance from Music Generation Offaly.

A particularly important part of this year’s festival is its inclusive programme, ensuring that traditional music can be enjoyed by everyone. Special events include an Inclusive Music and Story Creation session, an Inclusive Songwriting Workshop, and an Inclusive Trad Session, all designed for children and adults with additional needs and their families.

“These events are about participation and enjoyment,” a festival spokesperson said. “Traditional music belongs to everyone, and we want families across the community to feel that TradFest is their festival too.”

Another major draw for visitors is the festival’s Session Trail, which will see musicians gathering in venues across Tullamore throughout the weekend.

Young musicians will also have their moment in the spotlight during the Rising Stars Competition and youth sessions, highlighting the next generation of traditional performers.

Over the years, Tullamore TradFest has grown into one of the Midlands’ most popular cultural weekends, attracting visitors from across Ireland while also celebrating the rich musical heritage of the region.

The TradFest will also host the Ashling Murphy Fiddle Recital, at 1pm on Sunday, in Killeigh Teach Cheoil, and have thanked the Murphy family, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, and Killeigh Teach Comhaltas for helping make this tribute possible.

With music around every corner and a warm welcome guaranteed, residents and visitors alike are invited to come into town, soak up the atmosphere and take part in a weekend where Tullamore truly becomes a stage for traditional music.

Full programme details are available at www.tullamoretradfest.com.