Fleadh Cheoil Fun Continues: Your Guide to a Vibrant Belfast Weekend!

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend as Belfast continues to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann! Our city is alive with the sounds of traditional Irish music, song, and dance, welcoming 5,000 talented musicians and dancers from 22 countries. Whether you're a seasoned trad enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic day out, there's a huge array of activities lined up right across the city, making it easy for North Belfast residents to join in the fun.

With so much happening, getting around smart is key. We highly recommend using public transport or the convenient Fleadh Park & Ride services. You'll find Park & Ride sites at Eikon Exhibition Centre, Sprucefield (near M1), Giant's Park (near M2), and Belfast Harbour Estate (near M3). You can book spaces online in advance or pay on the day using contactless machines, with spaces allocated first-come, first-served. Frequent shuttle buses run every 10 minutes at peak times, connecting all Park & Ride sites directly to the city centre. Translink services are expected to be very busy, so remember to allow extra time and use their Journey Planner.

For those with Blue Badges, dedicated parking is available at Dunbar Street (outside Common Market) and Winetavern Street/Smithfield. A free city centre loop service is also running, perfect for anyone with mobility issues, families, or those carrying instruments. Taxi services will operate as usual where possible, with designated pick-up and drop-off points around the pedestrianised event zone at Corporation Street, Little Donegall Street, the junction of North Street and Royal Avenue, King Street, Adelaide Street, and Chichester Street.

The heart of the Fleadh competitions beat fiercely today, with judging sessions running all day at iconic venues like ICC/Belfast Waterfront Hall, Assembly Buildings, The MAC, and Ulster University. Beyond the competitive spirit, the Gig Rig outside City Hall is hosting a brilliant free programme of music and dance. Kicking off today at 11am are the County Cork Pipes and Drums of NYC, followed by a packed line-up leading into an open-air céilí at 3pm – no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm! The dancing continues into the night with Céilí House Live at 9pm, Glór na dTonn Céilí Band at 10:10pm, and the energetic MecLir closing the show at 11pm. All Gig Rig events are free and require no booking!

Here are more must-see events happening today:

• Liam F Jones Album Launch: The Barge, 12 noon (free)

• Wexford Singers: The Europa, 12 noon-2pm (free)

• Belfast Uke Jam: Victoria Square, 2pm (free)

• Parading Music in Ulster and Beyond: Grand Opera House, 2:30pm (£5)

• Soultrane Takeover: Oh Yeah Centre, 7pm (free)

Keep the little ones entertained with these fantastic free family activities:

• The Legend of Finn MacCool and the Scottish Giant: Arts for All, Cityside Retail Park, 10am, 11:30am

• Beat Carnival: Flaxx Social Space, 2pm-4pm

• Ship/Shape Currach Circus: St Joseph’s Church, Sailortown, 2pm

• MOIRO (Music of Irish Origin) featuring Panic:Over with EVO, Becky McNeice, Noble Johnston, Antwan Ruiz & Neal McClelland: 2 Royal Avenue, 7-11pm (tickets free - £10, under 5s go free)

Explore beyond the main hub with these other great experiences around the city:

• Instrument Makers' Village: Belfast Met, Millfield Campus, open today and tomorrow (10am-3:30pm). A fantastic opportunity to meet makers of harps, violins, and banjos – and maybe even treat yourself!

• Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week): Pop into their welcoming Irish language hub at The MAC, before it concludes tomorrow, Sunday 9 August.

• South Belfast: Immerse yourself in Brink! Lughnasadh Circles, a five-hour ambient composition by Rory Friers, at The Commons, Ormeau Road, 4:09pm - 9:09pm (£5).

• West Belfast: Join the Walls of Limerick Céilí at St Gall’s GAC at 1pm (free), or take part in the Meadows to Mountain long-distance walk to Divis and back from St Gall’s GAC at 3pm (free).

• Exhibitions: Discover a wide range of captivating exhibitions at venues including Craft NI, 2 Royal Avenue, Golden Thread Gallery, Queen’s University Belfast, QFT, St Joseph’s Sailortown, the Ulster Museum, and Vault Studios.

All that fun will build an appetite! Don't miss these delicious bites and treats:

• Food and Drink Village: Beside Belfast Cathedral, open 10am to 11pm.

• St George’s Market: Open 10am to 10pm.

• Craic and Craft Market: Outside ICC Belfast/Waterfront Hall, featuring artisan craft vendors, food and drink producers, a Ferris Wheel, facepainting, and entertainment from 10am-10pm.

• Titanic Food Festival: Catch bestselling cookery writer and TV chef Rachel Allen cooking live at Hamilton Dock (beside the SS Nomadic) at various times between 11am - 5pm.

• Plus, countless pubs, hospitality venues, and cultural spots across the city, from Titanic Quarter to the Linen Quarter, are ready to welcome you.

Plan for a safe and enjoyable visit by keeping these tips in mind:

• Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

• Leave extra time for your journey.

• Use public transport (including additional late-night bus and rail services tonight and tomorrow, Sunday 9 August), cycle, wheel, or walk where possible.

• Check travel information to familiarise yourself with road closures, Park & Ride facilities, the pedestrianised event zone, and traffic arrangements.

• Check event locations and venue opening times.

• Follow event signage and steward directions.

• Look out for Volunteer Now staff in Fleadh branded yellow t-shirts and hats, who are there to help you access information, facilities, and events easily.

For accessibility and visitor support:

• An Accessibility Hub is available at CastleCourt Shopping Centre (unit 59 on the first floor) from today until Sunday 9 August, 11am - 7pm daily, run by Open Arts with Volunteer Now support.

• Temporary portable toilets are provided in City Hall grounds, on Fountain Lane, Hill Street, and Verner Street (beside St George’s Market), each with at least two accessible Portaloos.

• You’ll also find parent and child changing spaces in the City Hall grounds and on Hill Street, and a mobile Accessoloo changing place toilet to the rear of 2 Royal Avenue on Bank Square. Information on other changing places is available online.

• Fleadh Visitor Servicing points are located at Ulster University on York Street (convenient for North Belfast residents!), the Welcome Centre on Donegall Square North, ICC Belfast / Waterfront Hall, and Grand Central Station. Free visitor maps are available from all Fleadh venues, the Welcome Centre, volunteers, and main transport hubs.

• First Aid is available at two Medical Hubs on Donegall Square West and York Street.

This is a truly special time for Belfast, and we encourage everyone to embrace the music, culture, and craic. For full programme details and live updates, check the official Fleadh website and social media channels. Have a wonderful weekend!