Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music, officially opened at Belfast City Hall as Irish President Catherine Connolly joined political leaders for a ceremony hailing the “universality” of music.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also addressed the hundreds gathered outside City Hall, with O’Neill saying the Fleadh belongs to all who call this place home and Little-Pengelly saying culture need not divide us.
A week of events and competitions
Belfast mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly formally opened Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, beginning a week of song, dance and culture. More than 200 events and 180 traditional music competitions are taking place in venues, pubs and streets, with 800,000 people expected in Belfast from August 2-9.
The festival is being held in Belfast for the first time and is only the second time it has been held in Northern Ireland, after being hosted in Londonderry in 2013. The 2026 event has been billed as one of the most culturally diverse in its history, with cross-community participation and traditions from across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Opening performance and outdoor stage
The opening event featured a collaborative performance titled Sharing Traditions from host branch Ards CCÉ, South Asian Dance Academy, Belfast Bands Forum, highland pipers and champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance lead Lauren Smyth. The multicultural show took place on the Gig Rig outside City Hall, where musicians and dancers will perform daily from 11am to 11pm.
On Sunday, more than 100 children from primary and secondary schools across North Down and Belfast joined the outdoor stage in a schools choir project, with evening sets from Goitse, Blackwater Céilí Band and accordion virtuoso Sharon Shannon and her Big Band.
Political leaders speak
Ms Connolly praised the ceremony for bringing together “musicians and dancers from different traditions.” She said: “I wish the Fleadh every success over the coming days, and indeed, what lies ahead is the celebration of what we all have in common, and the universality of music, sound, and dance.” She added: “And it’s that universality and that sharing that we celebrate over the coming week.”
Ms O’Neill, the Sinn Fein vice-president, said the Fleadh “belongs to each and every one of us who calls this place home”. She said: “There is strength in our culture, and I think that’s the magic of our culture also. It brings people together. It gives us a sense of who we are and also where we come from.” She recalled the 1792 Belfast Harp Festival, saying the city has long been a place of music, creativity and storytelling. She added that the true value of the Fleadh lies in the welcome people will receive and in showcasing the city’s richness, diversity and talent.
Ms Little-Pengelly said Belfast would be “filled with music, words, poetry, and companionship.” She spoke about her Lagan Valley constituency in several languages, including Irish and Ulster Scots, and said: “Culture need not divide us. At its best, it invites us to listen, to learn, and to discover.” She concluded with a wish that every visitor “leave with a wee bit of Belfast in their heart.”
Honours and competition
Presentations were made to Sinn Fein mayor Ms Donnelly, former DUP mayor Tracy Kelly and High Sheriff of Belfast Alderman Frank McCoubrey. Also in attendance were PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant.
Musicians and dancers from across the world are in the city for the All-Ireland Fleadh music competition, with Irish hopefuls qualifying through county and provincial Fleadhs. Many other visitors are attending music workshops and open sessions in venues and spaces across Belfast.
