Belfast Gears Up: 100 Days to Go Until Historic Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann!

Get ready, North Belfast! Just 100 days separate us from a truly historic moment as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, arrives in Belfast for the very first time. From Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August, our city will be buzzing with eight days of incredible performances, workshops, and community spirit.

The excitement is building with the recent announcement of seven fantastic new headline acts joining the already stellar line-up. You can look forward to seeing the legendary Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, award-winning group Goitse, and former All-Ireland winners, Blackwater Céilí Band, kick off the opening event on Sunday 2 August. The iconic Gig Rig stage outside Belfast City Hall will host dynamic quartet groups Tempest Ceol and NxNW on Wednesday 5 August, followed by acclaimed uilleann piper Conor Mallon on Thursday 6 August. The weekend brings Glasgow ensemble TRIP on Friday 7 August, and the electrifying talents of Peter Street and Mec Lir on Saturday 8 August. Best of all, the main stage will feature free live performances throughout all eight days of the festival!

This Fleadh is truly a community affair. Over 100 children from primary and secondary schools across Belfast and North Down will participate in a special school choir project for the opening celebration. Expect diverse multi-cultural performances and cross-community collaborations throughout the week, including a unique joint performance from host branch Ards CCÉ, the South Asian Dance Academy, and the Belfast Bands Forum. You'll also be captivated by an array of champion Irish dancers, led by none other than Riverdance star, Lauren Smyth.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Comhaltas and the 50th of Ards CCÉ, promising a series of special flagship events. The Ulster Hall, a venue with a rich musical legacy, will host an anniversary concert by Ards CCÉ. It will also be home to 'Ceol na Cruinne', the Comhaltas International Showcase Concert, celebrating global talent, and a performance by the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra, a 60-member ensemble of young musicians from across Ireland. The prestigious Flanagan Award, honouring great banjo players, will take place in the impressive Assembly Buildings, with County Tyrone's accomplished Cathal Hayden announced as this year's recipient.

Belfast City Hall will also host the Gradam Inclusion Awards, an inspiring event celebrating traditional Irish musicians with additional needs, ensuring the Fleadh is a truly welcoming space for everyone to share their love of music.

The festival will culminate on Sunday 9 August with an impressive closing set from the 2026 winners of the Senior Céilí Band competition – a highlight that promises a powerful finale. Keep an eye out in May for more details on a "Culture Night" style fringe programme that will extend the celebrations into city centre and local neighbourhoods, offering instrument making workshops, talks, and family activities for all ages.

With over 1,500 volunteer registrations already, local enthusiasm is high! Volunteering opportunities are still open through Volunteer Now, offering a chance to play a vital role in welcoming visitors and delivering a memorable Fleadh experience. Tickets for Comhaltas events go on sale from Friday 1 May at fleadhcheoil.ie. Further details on the wider programme will be shared later in May. Don't miss out on this incredible cultural experience right on our doorstep!