BURSARY SPONSORSHIP

Sponsor a bursary place for a young musician to attend this year’s Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music!

Through the Belfast TradFest Bursary Scheme, we aim to help talented young musicians attend the Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music, taking place from Monday 28th July - Friday 1st 2025 at Ulster University.

This week-long immersive programme allows students to learn from world-class musicians, participate in workshops, perform at iconic venues like Belfast Cathedral, and build lifelong connections within the traditional music community.

However, for many young musicians, financial barriers stand in the way of this invaluable experience. Your support can make a real difference by sponsoring a bursary that covers the cost of tuition for a deserving student.

 By sponsoring a bursary, you will:

- Give a young musician access to a world-renowned summer school.
- Help preserve and promote our rich musical heritage.
- Be recognised as a valued supporter of Belfast TradFest, with opportunities for brand visibility and acknowledgment in press and publicity.

Beneficiaries of bursaries will attend over five days and course includes:

  • Three-hour long music Masterclass in their chosen instrument, taught by world-class traditional musicians.

  • Access to a programme of afternoon events, demonstrations, talks and workshops in traditional music technique, history and other aspects of traditional music that are generally unavailable outside of higher education programmes.

  • The opportunity to play alongside top class traditional musicians in daily learner’s slow session which will enhance their musical skills.

  • Access to full programme of open sessions alongside the best trad musicians in the world

  • Performance opportunity at an end of Summer School concert in Belfast Cathedral.

Benefit to sponsor:

  • Complimentary concert tickets – ideal for promotions or personal use

  • Social media recognition highlighting your sponsorship and promoting your organisation

  • Invitation to a photocall & drinks reception with students for press and marketing opportunities

    Your support will provide invaluable opportunities for young musicians while ensuring the future of our traditional music heritage.

The cost to sponsor a bursary place is:

Non-Residential - One Student - £150.00

Residential - One Student - £599.00

Non-Residential - Two Students - £300.00

Residential - Two Students - £1198.00

Non-Residential - Five Students - £750.00

Residential - Five Students - £2995.00

“It has completely opened up a whole new connection and confidence for me for traditional Irish music. It always felt so inaccessible...but this past week has changed all of that.”
— Bursary Recipient, 2024

A special thanks to our 2025 Bursary Sponsors:

  • Glengormley School of Traditional Music

  • Goretti O’Connor

  • John Mackel

  • John S. Naismith

  • Meath County Council

  • Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan

  • Na Píobairí Uilleann

  • Paul Darby

  • Peter McClenaghan

  • Plotbox

  • Queen’s University Belfast Music Department

  • The Session

  • The Thomas Devlin Fund

  • André Rigaut

  • Ards & North Down Borough Council

  • Ark Housing

  • Blas International Summer School

  • Breid Eakin

  • Brendan Lacey

  • Carlow County Council

  • Ceol for Ciarán

  • Clarke

  • Conan McDonnell

  • Conradh na Gaeilge

  • Cruit Éireann Harp Ireland

  • Eimear O'Kane & Carole Wardlaw

Thank you!

Your contribution makes a huge difference!