The major new cultural festival ‘WexTrad Weekend’, takes place across the St Brigid’s bank holiday from January 29th to February 2nd.
Building on the momentum of the hugely successful Fleadh, WexTrad aims to establish an annual winter celebration of Irish traditional music, dance and heritage throughout Wexford Town.
Supported by Wexford County Council as a Fleadh legacy project, along with Wexford Credit Union, Wexford Town Vintners, the Talbot Hotel and Crown Quarter, the festival features an inviting mix of concerts, workshops, exhibitions and late‑night entertainment.
The weekend opens with a standout revival of the Wexford Mummers Ball at the Talbot Hotel on Thursday, January 29th, bringing mummers’ groups from across the county together for an evening of folklore, masks, music and céilí dancing.
A strong programme follows, including concerts by Tulua, 3 on the Bund and The Tin Sandwich Band, as well as Ardán na Sláine, a free indoor gig‑rig‑style event running from noon on Saturday at the Talbot Hotel.
Major venue Crown Quarter will host energetic sessions and late‑night festival club events, with Crown Live presenting The Rising and Electrad followed by Gerry’s Trisco on Saturday and Sunday nights.
Partner institutions including the National Opera House, Wexford Arts Centre and Eclectic Avenue, will also host cultural events throughout the weekend. Meanwhile, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will deliver a dedicated programme of instrument workshops, youth events and a céilí with The Legacy Céilí Band.
Another major highlight is the Smithwick’s Trad Trail, spanning more than 20 pubs and hotels from January 30th to February 2nd, bringing lively sessions, ballads and traditional music to every corner of Wexford Town.
For full programme details and ticket information, visit www.wextrad.ie.
