Temple Bar Tradfest

Various venues, Temple Bar, Dublin Jan 25-29 templebartrad.com01-7030700

There’s scant sign of the seven-year itch setting in as Temple Bar TradFest revs up in the brightening days of late January. This year’s guests promise to underscore the diverse colours and shades of traditional music with chutzpah.

Michael McGoldrick, the Mancunian piper, flute and whistle player, brings his trio to the party – and he’ll sidle his way into The Dubliners’ 50th anniversary celebration concert too.

Established players such as Frankie Gavin, Cathy Jordan, Ralph McTell, Mick O’Brien and Moya Brennan share the programme with emerging artists who’ve set tongues talking: Lisa O’Neill and Edel Fox are two to pay particularly close attention to. Then there’s the intriguing collaboration between Fidil and Senegal’s Solo Cissokho.

In between headlining concerts in Christ Church Cathedral and The Button Factory, there are pub sessions, workshops and lunchtime recitals. It’s enough to sets the hips of the most supine a-swivel.