Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Brings World-Class Music & Community Fun to Belfast!

Get ready, North Belfast! The biggest celebration of traditional Irish music, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, is heading to Belfast from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August. This incredible eight-day festival will transform our city into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and culture, showcasing Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music status with a diverse and exciting line-up.

But it's not just about the big stages! The Fleadh’s energy will reach right into our local neighbourhoods, with over 50 official events planned across north, south, east, and west Belfast. We’re particularly excited about the pop-up music, storytelling, and poetry stations animating the Waterworks, inspired by the dramatic Cave Hill backdrop – a fantastic opportunity for North Belfast residents to experience the magic close to home. This wider fringe programme, collaborating with over 300 artists and 60 organisations, aims to bring communities together through music, poetry, drama, visual arts, and special community events, building on the success of the council’s ‘Bank of Ideas’ scheme with 35 new creative projects.

The main programme promises an array of spectacular performances. Bangor-born singer-songwriter Foy Vance, signed to Ed Sheeran’s record label, will perform at the closing event on Sunday 9 August and an intimate pop-up gig during the week. The prestigious Senior Céilí Band Competition finale will also take place that Sunday at the Waterfront Hall, showcasing the best in trad music – tickets are on sale now!

The opening event on Sunday 2 August features the unique ‘Sharing Traditions’ showcase, fusing traditional Irish music with Dhol drummers, Indian dancers, flute and pipe bands, and Highland dancers, sending a powerful message of inclusion. Irish music legend Sharon Shannon and her Big Band will also perform that evening. Other highlights include acclaimed Belfast composer Neil Martin directing 'Connections' – a multicultural music experience blending Irish trad with sounds from around the world at City Hall on Friday 7 August. You can also catch Lúnasa on the main stage that evening, and Donegal’s all-female group Sí Fiddlers on Thursday 6 August. The Titanic Slipways will host the Ulster Bands showcase, celebrating Unionist and Ulster Scots culture with Lambeg drumming, pipe bands, and traditional Scottish dancing.

Beyond the main stages, the city centre fringe offers unique experiences. The MAC will be an Irish language hub with workshops and storytelling, while the Corn Exchange promotes Ulster Scots language. Expect high-energy street performances from Beat Carnival, a ‘Neuromusicology’ show exploring music and the brain, and the famous 'Trisco' (trad disco) by DJ Paddy at the Limelight. There will also be ceilís and singing seisiúns at the Europa Hotel, lectures at the Linenhall Library, and recitals at 2 Royal Avenue, ensuring there’s something for every interest.

With so much on offer, you won’t want to miss out! Details for all announced performances are available now, and tickets for many events go on sale from Friday 5 June. Keep an eye on fleadhcheoil.ie in the coming weeks for the full fringe programme and successful Bank of Ideas projects. Let’s welcome the Fleadh to Belfast and celebrate our rich musical heritage together!