Join us for the 50th Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival for a weekend filled with great music, good friends and craic!
GOLDEN JUBILEE: BALLYSHANNON FOLK & TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LANDMARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FOR 2027
BALLYSHANNON, CO. DONEGAL, IRELAND – Ireland’s longest-running folk and traditional music festival will mark a historic half-century milestone from Thursday, 29th July to Sunday, 1st August 2027. The 50th Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival brings 50 years of heritage, song, and community spirit to Ireland’s oldest town.
The Golden Anniversary edition builds on five decades of tradition on the banks of the River Erne along the Wild Atlantic Way. Organisers have unveiled an ambitious four-day programme packed with marquee headliners, vibrant street performances, showcase competitions, and extensive fringe events.
50th Anniversary Festival Highlights & Event Schedule
1. Festival Opening & Cultural Exhibition (Thursday, 29th July 2027)
- Location: Abbey Arts Centre
- Official Launch: The festival kicks off on Thursday evening with the opening of the 50th Anniversary Retrospective Art Exhibition by resident festival artist Barry Britton, followed by an intimate opening concert featuring lifetime contributors and local folk icons.
2. Headline Marquee Concert Series (Friday, 30th July – Sunday, 1st August 2027)
- Location: The Festival Marquee Stage
- Three Nights of World-Class Music: The marquee hosts three major evening concerts featuring a mix of internationally acclaimed traditional masters, contemporary folk legends, and showcase winners.
- Showcase Finals: The prestigious Annual Festival Showcase finals take place across the weekend marquee slots, giving top emerging soloists and bands the stage alongside legendary headline acts.
3. Free Street Entertainment & Pub Sessions (Daily: Friday – Sunday)
- Street Gig Rig: Free live outdoor entertainment runs daily across Ballyshannon’s town centre, featuring street performers, brass bands, traditional dancers, and open-air acoustic sets.
- Town-Wide Pub Trail: Intimate, unscripted traditional session trails run late into the night across local establishments throughout the town.
4. Signature Fringe & Heritage Events
- Jam at the Dam: The popular acoustic gathering returns, bringing musicians together at the historic hydro station backdrop.
- The Legend Sessions: A moving annual Sunday afternoon tribute session at the Bridgend Bar, honoring late icons.
- Cultural Workshops: Interactive masterclasses in traditional fiddle, tin whistle, singing, and set dancing hosted by master tutors across the weekend.
Ticket Information & Booking Details
- Weekend & Individual Concert Tickets: Full weekend passes (covering all marquee headline concerts) and single-night tickets will be available online.
- Special 50th Anniversary Tickets: Early-bird 50th Anniversary passes and multi-year ticket holders can redeem their bookings directly through the official ticket portal.
- Official Website & Box Office:www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com
Media & Public Contacts
Festival Organising Committee
Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival
Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Website:www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com
Email: maryfowleydaly@gmail.com
Social Media: @BallyshannonFolkFestival (Facebook / Instagram)
