The first Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann held in Belfast has been described as an “unforgettable week” for the city, with an estimated one million visitors attending the world's largest celebration of Irish culture and music.
Community showcase
Music from the loyalist community and ethnic minority communities was also featured during the week-long festival of song, dance, and culture.
Return confirmed
The event is set to return to Belfast next summer. At the closing event at Belfast City Hall on Sunday night, Niall McClean, co-chairman of the organising committee, praised the city's performance.
“We've brought every single community together – and everybody has absolutely loved it,” he said. “Belfast has shone, the world has come to our doorstep, bringing the biggest numbers ever seen for a Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.”
Policing operation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland described conducting “an extremely complex and intensive policing operation” and commended the week's positivity. Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally, who led the operation, noted the “overwhelming positivity” throughout.
“Our officers and staff worked tirelessly to help deliver an event unlike anything previously seen in Northern Ireland,” he said. “The professionalism shown by our officers on the ground, who assisted with the smooth running of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, is a credit to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the communities they serve.”
He highlighted meticulous planning by police and partner agencies to support the event, including managing traffic and transport and ensuring attendee safety. “It was important that Belfast continued to run as normal but with the additional event management with footfall in excess of one million arriving in the city centre,” he added.
“This was an extremely complex and intensive policing operation, which was ultimately delivered to the highest standards. It was clear our officers were warmly received by visitors, spectators and those involved in the events. Not only did they minimise any disruption to the city centre, but they certainly added to the overall feel good factor that continues to emanate following Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.”
McNally concluded: “Belfast further positioned itself as a wonderful destination for visitors and further demonstrated its ability to deliver world class events. There was overwhelming positivity throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, alongside our partner agencies played a vital role in its success.”
