Derry's Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin set to host traditional music festival

The roots of Ireland’s musical heritage run deep, and each spring, this legacy blooms and bears fruit at IMBOLC International Music Festival in Derry's Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin.

All are invited to celebrate the traditional and the contemporary of our island’s rich culture with another jam-packed programme of gigs, late-nights festival clubs and workshops from January 26-February 1.

Since 2016, IMBOLC has gone from strength to strength as “one of Ireland’s leading folk, trad and roots music festivals”, which now attracts over 3,000 attendees to the week’s 15+ individual events. Throughout this time and its growth, this  reputation for promoting exciting new acts and works has been proudly upheld by organisers. Described by The Guardian as “eclectically curated and refreshingly analogue”, the festival launch perhaps best encapsulates this ethos. 

To kick off their week-long series of evening concerts, you can experience the exciting premiere of “Pianoboxing”. This piece, commissioned by the festival especially for Ryan Molloy, will be performed alongside none other than Sean Óg Graham and a baker's dozen of Scotland's finest musicians (Thirteen North) in Ulster University’s Great Hall. During the week, the festival returns home to the Cultúrlann, as host of Córas Trio’s playful take on trad-tronica, Anna Massie’s virtuosic folk balladeering, and the musical renderings of ancient Irish poetry with Lorcán Mac Mathúna, Martin Tourish, and Éamonn Galldubh, to name but a few of the acts. 

For the more casual punter, IMBOLC spills out into the streets with traditional Irish music session trails, bringing top-notch tunes into first-rate bars and cafes across the city.

Those looking to get more hands-on are welcome to bring their instrument to any and all of the sessions (including those held daily in the Cultúrlann’s own café), take part in Saturday’s music workshops, or join a dance class with Mary and Joe McGuiggan. Those newly acquired steps are more than welcome at the weekend’s festival club, with lively acts and a bilingual bar to keep the party going into the wee hours.

Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh, Artistic Director of Derry’s premier Irish language and arts centre, said: “Our programme is brimming with performances, workshops, sessions, and community events, reflecting the breadth and creativity of the talented artists who share their passion and creativity with us.

"A huge thank you to our funders, sponsors and partners, especially Derry and Strabane District Council, as well as the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, who are supported by the National Lottery. Their steadfast support has been vital in bringing IMBOLC to life.

"To all of you who attend, engage and celebrate with us, your enthusiasm keeps us inspired and growing. Thank you for being a part of the IMBOLC journey. Here’s to another vibrant and unforgettable year of music and community!

"IMBOLC 2025 has a lot to offer. Dive in! Get involved, be moved, be challenged, and have fun.”

To find out more, you can check out the full programme and book your tickets through their website: www.imbolcfestival.com.

For more information, you can follow the organisation’s social media at @culturlanndoire on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For any further queries, you can contact [email protected], call (+44) 028 7126 4132, or visit the building at 37 Great James’ Street, Derry, BT48 7DF.

As a city renowned for its hospitality, the festival has partnered with the four-star City Hotel on the riverside, a five minute walk away from Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. Details on discounted rates are available on the festival website.