Belfast is truly coming alive in preparation for this summer's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture! For the very first time, our city will host this incredible event from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August, and the community spirit is already shining through.
An impressive milestone has just been reached, with 1,000 fantastic volunteers now signed up to support the Fleadh's delivery. These dedicated individuals will play a vital role across the city, acting as street ambassadors, providing competition support, and filling other key positions to help welcome over 800,000 expected visitors. Volunteers have joined from all corners of Belfast, across Ireland, and even from around the world, following a successful recruitment drive by Volunteer Now, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and Ards CCÉ. If you're inspired to be a part of this historic event, there are still opportunities to sign up for another few weeks; you can find more information at fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteer.
Beyond our wonderful volunteers, the council is also working closely with various sectors across the city to ensure a vibrant, safe, and welcoming event for everyone. Businesses, particularly those in the city centre, have crucial information sessions coming up. These in-person briefings will cover proposed road closures, traffic management arrangements, and licensing processes, offering businesses the chance to ask questions and provide feedback. Sessions are scheduled for Thursday 5 and Friday 6 March at The MAC from 10am to 11.30am.
There will also be a specific briefing for hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés on Monday 23 March at City Hall, running from 12pm to 2.30pm. This session will provide valuable insights into visitor flows and peak demand times from previous Fleadhs, helping local establishments with their planning, and offering ongoing support for outdoor trading and entertainment plans. For those unable to attend in person, further online information sessions will be delivered in the coming weeks. You can find more information about these business sessions and register by visiting the official Fleadh website.
Belfast's Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, highlighted the community's importance, stating, "With huge visitor numbers expected to travel here to experience the Fleadh, local people, communities and businesses will all play a key role in making sure this cultural milestone leaves a lasting tourism and economic legacy. With over 1,000 volunteers stepping forward, it's clear our city wants to showcase the very best of Belfast to a global audience. As the backbone of our city experience, we want to help businesses and city centre organisations do the same. Bolstered by the support of our volunteers, they will provide the heartbeat of this event and ensure Belfast delivers a safe, vibrant and memorable visitor experience."
Local residents are also encouraged to get involved through the council's 'Bank of Ideas' scheme, which invites creative proposals that support the Fleadh through its theme of 'Celebrating Together'. The closing date for applications is Monday 23 March. More information on how to submit your ideas can be found on the council's culture funding pages. This is a fantastic chance for North Belfast to contribute to what promises to be an unforgettable week!