One of the annual highlight of the traditional arts calendar in Belfast is Féile An Droichead, which takes place later this month (August 23-26) .

The fourth edition of the festival features an array of diverse events including sports, exhibitions, concerts, talks, film screenings and family events. Sean-nós pioneer Iarla Ó Lionáird and virtuoso guitarist Steve Cooney begin proceedings with the Féile’s opening concert in The MAC on Thursday 23rd.

Other concerts across the weekend feature artists such as Brendán Begley, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Niamh Parsons, Graham Henderson and Dónal Lunny. Lunny will also be giving master classes on the afternoon of Saturday 25th in An Droichead on Cooke Street.

Other free events on offer at this year’s Féile include fife and drum workshops, a ‘Poc Fada’ in the Ormeau Park, a Placenames Walking Tour, traditional music Ninja-Sessions around the city and a very special exhibition of record covers and sleeves from the archives of Gael Linn. This 61-piece exhibition will be on show at the Ulster Hall and will feature both rare and iconic album covers charting the history of recorded traditional music over the last 55 years.

This year’s Féile will feature two landmark film screenings at Queen’s Film Theatre. Exactly fifty two years since it was first premiered at the Curzon Cinema on the Ormeau Road, Mise Éire returns to Belfast on Saturday 25th August. The following day, QFT will also host a presentation of Bob Quinn’s ‘Poitín’. First shown to great controversy on St. Patrick’s Day 1979, Poitín was the first ever feature film to be made entirely in Irish.

Completing the line up for Féile An Droichead 2012, other activities for families and children will include the Lagan Lunchtime Outdoor Barbecue on Sunday 26th, Creative drama and graffiti classes for children and the opportunity to take part in language and music classes and workshops throughout the weekend.

The full programme for Féile An Droichead is available from Wednesday, August 1.