Belfast Takes Root: Official Showcase Artists Set For 2026

Your Roots Are Showing (YRAS) has named the Official Showcase Artists for its 2026 conference, scheduled for January 14–18 at ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall. The Folk In Fusion opening concert precedes the conference on January 13 at Waterfront Hall.

“At YRAS, everything begins and ends with the artists,” said Charlene Sloan, co-founder and executive director. “These showcases support sustainable careers, foster connections, and highlight the wellbeing and creativity that carry traditions forward.”

“Our showcases honor heritage while encouraging bold new work,” added Brendan McCreanor, co-founder and creative director. “The 2026 lineup blends genres and crosses borders, and Belfast will feel that energy first-hand.”

Now in its fourth year, YRAS expects more than 1,500 delegates for five days of showcases, panels, workshops, and networking at ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall.

Folk In Fusion serves as the curtain-raiser on January 13. The lineup will be announced later this year, and tickets will be sold separately.

Event Details

Folk In Fusion Concert: January 13, 2026 — Waterfront Hall (ticketed separately; lineup forthcoming)

Your Roots Are Showing Conference: January 14–18, 2026 — ICC Belfast & Waterfront Hall

YRAS is Ireland’s dedicated folk, roots, and traditional music conference. The nonprofit supports artists, builds international networks, and strengthens the community through showcases, education, outreach, and cultural exchange.

Your Roots Are Showing receives support from the Belfast And Northern Ireland Conference Subvention Scheme through Belfast City Council and Tourism Northern Ireland, administered by Visit Belfast.

2026 YRAS Showcase Artists:

AL ALMA, Alder, Allen Temple & Moussa Dembele, An Chéad Ghlúin Eile (ACGE), Andy Sydow, Annie Cheevers, Ardú, AYSANABEE, Ben Gage, Ben Reel, Brian O’Brien, BRIARS, CAOIMHÍN, Chantelle Padden, Charm of Finches, compagnie artistique lumière, Corner Boy, Coruja Jones, Couldn’t Be Happiers, Crystal Shawanda, Dave Clancy, Davin McCoy, Dead Letter Devils, Dee White, Derek Ellard & The Future Business Model, Duane Andrews And the Hot Club Of Conception Bay, Edel Murphy, Eunice Keitan, Fiach Moriarty, Folk Division, FRAGMENT, Georgia Mooney, Grainne Duffy, Hadithi Kultur, Hector Gannet, Helen O’Shea, Hillary Klug, How I Became A Wave, James Keegan, Joe H Henry, Joe Troop, Jon Cope Celtic County Blues, Kate Prendergast, Ken Whiteley, Kevin Quigley & The Great Ideas, Kieran O’ Connell, King Springs Road, Kylie Price, Laura Ampersand, Liz & Nilko, Lleuwen, Lluís Gómez FlamenGrass 4tet, Luke Savage Sextet, MAKAS BAND, Mali Hâf, Mallory Chipman, Man The Lifeboats, Mànran, Martin Almgren, McPEAKE, Music In The Glen, Northern Air, Radim Zenkl & Ondra Kozák, RIA TIMKIN, Ryan Biter, Saltaire, Scott Levi Jones, Shay Sweeney, Stacy Antonel, Steady Habits, SYSTIR, Teague and Joyce, Tempest, The 19th Street Band, The Blow In’s, The Dark Well Project, The Haar, The Kates, The New Americans, The Often Herd, The Outcast Crew, The Porter Bellys, The Seeger Sessions Revival, The Wildwoods, Tomáš Kočko & ORCHESTR, Tulua, Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz, Whistle, William Jack, Yellofox.

Website: showingroots.com