CQAF 2026 / music / Cerys Hafana

Cerys Hafana

In association with The Duncairn

Cerys Hafana

The Duncairn

Saturday 2 May, 7.30pm

Doors 7.00pm | Strictly over 18s | B.Y.O.B

£14.00

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Cerys Hafana is a Welsh composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. Cerys comes from Machynlleth, Wales, where rivers and roads meet on the way to the sea.

Hafana’s primary instrument is the Welsh triple harp with which they explore all its creative possibilities and unique qualities, playing with found sounds, archival materials and electronic processing. Their spellbinding music is rich with atmosphere and heart and stubbornly resistant to genre boxes and easy classification.

Angel, their latest album on Glitterbeat, released in Sept 2025, is a deep exploration of minimalism, traditional and avant-folk music, alternating between songs (all in Cymraeg) and instrumentals, often buoyed by a deft trio of sympathetic and exploratory musicians (drums, double bass, alto sax). In 2026, live shows will feature this dynamic new trio sound.
The uncommon breadth and innovation of Angel soundly confirms Hafana as one of the UK’s most exciting young contemporary folk artists, with The Guardian featuring it as Folk Album Of The Month.

Cerys has won over audiences from End Of the Road to the Eisteddfod and from BBC 6 Music Festival to Transmusicales with their magical, progressive sound.

“Angel is the third release by this piercingly beautiful singer and exceptional, adventurous musician in 18 months…. Hafana’s approach is endlessly inventive…the album overall has a profound impact, hymning the life cycle, and the fantastical properties of music and time, to stunning effect.” Jude Rogers, The Guardian

“It’s raw, urgent and affecting music, and it sets the tone for a hugely assured album that feels like a major arrival…Hafana builds hugely powerful swells of feeling and atmosphere, with their virtuosity on both harp and piano allowing a push beyond avant folk toward darkling, rain-washed minimalism and sharp-eyed jazznot-jazz. Don’t sleep.” The Wire

“Alternating between Welsh-language songs and instrumental pieces, Hafana essays a bold mix of folk tradition and auteur experimentalism …” UNCUT

“An album that solidifies Cerys Hafana’s position as one of the UK’s most exciting and genre-defying contemporary folk artists. Angel is a testament to their ability to create music that is both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly forward-thinking.” KLOF

Tickets also available from:
Visit Belfast | 028 90 246 609
9 Donegall Square North - Open 7 days a Week

CQAF 2026 Music

Robert Finley: CQAF Opening Concert

Robert Finley: CQAF Opening Concert

The Empire Music Hall

Wednesday 29 April, 8.00pm

The Stray Gaiters: The Music of Neil Young

The Stray Gaiters: The Music of Neil Young

The Black Box

Thursday 30 April, 8.00pm

Carsie Blanton + Special Guests The Burning Hell

Carsie Blanton + Special Guests The Burning Hell

The Duncairn

Thursday 30 April, 8.00pm

Laraaji

Presented by Moving on Music and Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

Laraaji

The MAC

Thursday 30 April, 8.00pm

Landless at Carlisle Memorial Church

Landless at Carlisle Memorial Church

Carlisle Memorial Church - Belfast BT14 6AT

Friday 1 May, 8.00pm

30 Years of Fugees The Score

Oh Yeah and CQAF present

30 Years of Fugees The Score

Oh Yeah Centre

Friday 1 May, 8.00pm

Ani Glass and special guests IMLÉ | agus aíonna speisialta IMLÉ

Ani Glass and special guests IMLÉ | agus aíonna speisialta IMLÉ

Áras Mhic Reachtain

Aoine 1 Bealtaine | Friday 1 May, 8:30pm

Cerys Hafana

In association with The Duncairn

Cerys Hafana

The Duncairn

Saturday 2 May, 7.30pm

Soundsystem Sundays

In collaboration with Oh Yeah Music Centre and Salah Soundsystem

Soundsystem Sundays

Oh Yeah Music Centre

Sunday 3 May, 2.00pm - 7.00pm 

London African Gospel Choir Celebrate 40 Years of Paul Simon’s Graceland

London African Gospel Choir Celebrate 40 Years of Paul Simon’s Graceland

Mandela Hall

Tuesday 5 May, 8.00pm

Guy Davis

In association with Old Flattop

Guy Davis

The Crescent Arts Centre

Thursday 7 May, 8.00pm

Moon Songs: The Phoebe Bridgers Project/Amhráin na Gealaí: Tionscadal Phoebe Bridgers

Moon Songs: The Phoebe Bridgers Project/Amhráin na Gealaí: Tionscadal Phoebe Bridgers

Áras Mhic Reachtain

Aoine 8 Bealtaine | Friday 8 May, 8:00pm

The Steve White Trio

Right On Promotions Present

The Steve White Trio

The Deer’s Head

Friday 8 May, 8.00pm

da Googie + Cara Tivey present The Golden Thread

Oh Yeah Music Centre and CQAF presents

da Googie + Cara Tivey present The Golden Thread

The Oh Yeah Centre

Friday 8 May, 8.00pm

Martin Simpson presents…A Celebration of Dick Gaughan

Martin Simpson presents…A Celebration of Dick Gaughan

The Black Box

Sunday 10 May, 8.00pm 

2026 Artist in Residence – Eve Belle

2026 Artist in Residence – Eve Belle

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