This is a free event.

The official opening of Trad For All begins with a participatory discussion about inclusion, confidence and creating welcoming spaces within Irish traditional music.

Joining a session, class or musical community can feel intimidating, particularly for newcomers, learners and people returning to music after a break. What helps someone feel welcome? What can make it difficult to take part? And how can musicians, teachers and organisers create more opportunities for people of all ages and levels to join in?

Charles Monod, Tara Connaghan, Mary MacNamara and Kirsten Allstaff will share their experiences and ideas, but this is not simply a panel to listen to. Audience members will be warmly invited to contribute to the conversation, ask questions and share their own experiences.

This open and friendly discussion will set the tone for a festival built around learning, participation and bringing people together through traditional music.