Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 begins in Belfast

Photo caption: The Opening Ceremony of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 took place at Belfast City Hall on Sunday. The event runs until Sunday, August 9.

Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland and Laura McCorry, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, were among a number of guests who attended the event in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. 

Thousands of people gathered for the ceremony, which officially marked the start of the seven-day celebration.

The crowds were treated to a packed programme of entertainment which included `Titled, Sharing Traditions’, a specially commissioned showcase designed to bring together Irish traditional music with Dhol drummers, Indian dancers, flute and pipe bands and Highland dancers.
 
There was also a special performance from host branch, Ards CCÉ, South Asian Dance Academy, Belfast Bands Forum, champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance lead, Lauren Smyth, and school choirs.

The ceremony was headlined by legendary musician, Sharon Shannon and her Big Band and Belfast composer Neil Martin directed Connections, a multicultural performance on the Gig Rig in partnership with ArtsEkta.

Those gathered heard from a range of speakers including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly BL MLA, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald,Belfast Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly, President Catherine Connolly, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh, Uachtarán of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), and John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council.

Over 700,000 visitors from across the island of Ireland and beyond are expected to attend the week's programme of events which will not only showcase extraordinary artistic talent, but the high quality and diverse tourism offering available both in Belfast and right across Northern Ireland.