Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August 2026, Belfast City Council confirmed on Saturday, March 8.
Established in 1951, the Fleadh takes place in Ireland every August with qualifying performers from all over the world showcasing the very best of traditional music talent in all-Ireland competitions.
Alongside the competitions, the Fleadh features concerts, street performances
cultural activities, big-name acts, céilí bands, pageants, marching bands, drama, and exhibitions.
Next year will mark only the second time that the Fleadh Cheoil will be hosted in the North - it was staged in Derry in 2013.
The confirmation comes after reports emerged last month that Belfast was set to host the massive event next year.
The Fleadh in Belfast will run from Sunday, August 2, 2026, until Sunday, August 9, 2026.
It's official... 📢🎻🎵
Belfast will host Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, 2-9 Aug 2026!
We're so excited to have been selected by @Comhaltas to stage the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music with Ards CCÉ - #FleadhBelfast26
@visitbelfast @nitouristboard pic.twitter.com/r33X7NfqFq
— Belfast City Council (@belfastcc) March 8, 2025
The announcement was made at Belfast City Hall on Saturday afternoon following a meeting of the Ardchomhairle of Comhaltas in Belfast.
It follows a bid by Belfast City Council, along with partners Ards CCÉ to bring the event to Belfast.
The festival has grown massively in recent years, with hundreds of thousands of people attending, and the Fleadh in Belfast will mark Comhaltas’s 75th year, with Ards CCÉ also celebrating their 50th year.
Belfast City Council noted that last year's Fleadh in Co Wexford hosted over 400 events, including 230 championships, over eight days. The event attracted more than 650,000 and delivered an economic value of around €70 million to the host region.
The 2025 Fleadh will also be hosted in Co Wexford this August.
The Fleadh in Derry in 2013. (Ireland's Content Pool)
“I am delighted that the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will finally be coming to Belfast in 2026," Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said on Saturday.
“Our council is committed to bringing major events to the city, because we know from past experience the huge social and economic benefits they can bring, not just to our city centre, but to local communities also.
“I have no doubt that the Fleadh in Belfast will be something unique. It will be a truly inclusive festival that will allow our citizens – and visitors from near and far – to celebrate together.
“Having visited Wexford myself for last year’s event, I’ve seen first-hand the buzz and atmosphere the Fleadh can create.
“It’s a massive boost for hospitality and retail businesses, bringing a real vibrancy and attracting visitors from across the island of Ireland – and indeed from across the world – into our city and the wider region.
“Whether you’re a fan of live traditional music already, or it’s all new to you, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to get moving on developing a programme which reflects both the Fleadh and our city.”
NEWS: Belfast announced as host city for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2026.https://t.co/Zemb7eW6Xk@micky_murray @Comhaltas pic.twitter.com/fbxHzr4HOQ
— Belfast City Council (@belfastcc) March 8, 2025
Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Director-General of Comhaltas said: “I have been involved with the Comhaltas Fleadh now for many years. It is a special event – the talent on display is world-class and the atmosphere is indescribable.
"We appreciate the work that Belfast City Council and Ards CCÉ have put into securing this bid and we look forward to working with them, to ensure Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil Belfast 2026 is a huge success.
“It’ll be just the second time in its 75-year history that the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil will be held north of the border. The legacy of the 2013 Comhaltas Fleadh in Derry City is still widely spoken about, making this a fantastic opportunity for Belfast to create its own legacy.”
Niall McClean, chairperson of Ards CCÉ said: “Ards CCÉ are thrilled and honoured to bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 to Belfast in association with Belfast City Council. This really is history in the making and an amazing opportunity and milestone for our branch, as we will also be celebrating our 50-year anniversary in 2026.
“We also look forward to further promoting Comhaltas throughout Belfast and surrounding areas during the Fleadh and continue expanding our Belfast music classes in all traditional instruments.
“Belfast will, without doubt, be an amazing venue for the Fleadh and Comhaltas are committed and delighted to be part of this momentous occasion."
Further details of the Fleadh programme for Belfast will be announced in due course, the City Council added.
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