Gradam Ceoil TG4 Awards 2019

Show-stopping line-up announced for Gradam Ceoil 2019 ~ Excitement builds as ‘Oscars of traditional music’ releases line-up for 2019 show in Belfast ~

A world-class line-up of top trad talent has been announced for Gradam Ceoil TG4 2019. Known as ‘the Oscars of traditional music’, the live concert and awards show, which returns to Belfast for the second year, will take place at the Waterfront Hall on Sunday 17th February, promising a night of foot-stomping entertainment right in the heart of Belfast.

Legendary traditional Irish band, Four Men & A Dog, who formed in Belfast in the nineties and rose to popularity across the globe with their eclectic and vivacious blend of trad, fused with a wide spectrum of other genres including, rap, rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country swing, and even salsa, will headline the bill. All-Ireland céili band champions, The Thatch Céili Band, pivotal members of the Irish diaspora in London, will also perform on the night.

The highly anticipated live awards show, which will be hosted by TG4 presenter, Doireann Glackin and Belfast-based musician, Dónal O’Connor of well-known band, Ulaid, will also feature live performances from the six Gradam Ceoil 2019 recipients, who will be recognised for their talent and contribution to traditional Irish music.

TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2019 recipients include: Musician of the Year, Catherine McEvoy; Young Musician of the Year, Conor Connolly; Lifetime Achievement, Nicky & Anne McAuliffe; Singer of the Year, Thomas McCarthy; Outstanding Contribution, Brendan Mulkere; Musical Collaboration, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill.

2019 Gradam recipients, who represent the crème de la crème of traditional music and song, will be joined in live performances on stage by their own special musical guests, including Irish fiddler Paddy Glackin, Michael McCague and multi-instrumentalist Sinéad Egan, to name but a few. A range of VIP guest presenters will also take to the stage; last year, actor Stephen Rea and President Michael D. Higgins were amongst the VIP guests at the event.

Tickets for TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards 2019, priced from £22.50 (approx. €25.77), are available from www.waterfront.co.uk or 048 90 334455.

A dedicated Gradam Fringe Festival will also set the tone for the evening, with a host of free music events and workshops taking place throughout Belfast in the days building up to the main event. Running between Friday 15th and Sunday 17th February, this year’s Gradam Fringe Programme promises a packed line-up of free music events, workshops and talks taking place throughout the city. Full details of the Gradam Fringe programme can be found at www.tg4.ie/en/programmes/gradam-ceoil/the-concert/.

For those wanting to make the most of weekend’s festivities, special hotel packages are available with Hastings Europa Hotel, within walking distance of the Waterfront Hall. Packages start from £140 (approx. €160.24) for a one-night stay in a double room, with a pair of tickets Gradam Ceoil. Two and three night packages are also available between Friday 15th and Sunday 17th February. Visit www.hastingshotels.com or call 048 327800.

For more information, visit www.gradam.ie or connect with Gradam Ceoil on Facebook and Twitter @GradamCeoil, using the hashtag, #Gradam