Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 has officially opened in Belfast for the first time, as the city celebrates together with powerful performances, family-friendly events and vibrant outdoor music spilling onto streets across the city.
Crowds gathered at Belfast City Hall this lunchtime to hear Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, declare the event as officially open for eight days of music, song and dance.
Guests including President Catherine Connolly, First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr Chris Bryant, along with Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh, Uachtarán, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, joined musicians, dancers and local school children for a vibrant, energetic and colourful display of what’s to come between today and Sunday 9 August.
Over 800,000 people are expected in the city this week for one of Europe’s largest cultural events, bringing together the best of traditional Irish music, along with All-Ireland competitions, activities for all ages, community-led events and a showcase of Belfast’s rich and diverse UNESCO City of Music heritage.
Welcoming visitors to the city, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said the Fleadh offered an opportunity to unite people, support local businesses, create opportunities for young people and foster pride in communities and the wider city.
"Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul and that is what the Fleadh is to me - a celebration of our culture, that ancient soul flowing out across the city, into our streets and homes,” she told the audience.
“From City Hall, and into those neighbourhoods, the Fleadh will showcase extraordinary talent, alongside the warmth and hospitality for which this city is renowned.
“As a UNESCO City of Music, creativity is woven into our identity - rud nach féidir a scaradh uainne. Tunes will be played this week solely because Edward Bunting transcribed them in the Assembly Rooms over 230 years ago – a full circle moment.
“We celebrate that heritage while welcoming na céadta míle duine hundreds of thousands of visitors from right across Ireland, and the world, to experience everything our city has to offer.
"Is cloch mhíle í seachtain na Fleidhe don chathair lena bhfuil muid uilig ag dúil go mór!"
For more on what’s on at Fleadh this week, visit fleadhcheoil.ie and follow Fleadh Cheoil on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
