The first Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann has seen a 95% footfall increase in the Northern Ireland capital.
The celebration of Irish music and culture officially opened on Sunday in the city centre and also saw a trial of extended opening hours for shops.
It is set to go on until Sunday August 9 with more than 200 events and 180 traditional music competitions at venues, pubs and streets, projected to bring 800,000 to Belfast.
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Thousands of visitors and musicians attend the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, an annual Irish arts festival and competition. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Photo: Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
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Thousands of visitors and musicians attend the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, an annual Irish arts festival and competition. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Photo: Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
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Thousands of visitors and musicians attend the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, an annual Irish arts festival and competition. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Photo: Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
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Thousands of visitors and musicians attend the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, an annual Irish arts festival and competition. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Photo: Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia