The 2026 Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has officially kicked off in Belfast, hosting family-friendly events, performances and outdoor music in the heart of Belfast.
The event will run for eight days and is expected to bring over 800,000 people to the city.
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.
Speaking at the event on the partnership with Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ, venues, arts organisations, staff and volunteers, Róis-Máire Donnelly said:
“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,”
“We celebrate that heritage while welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from right across Ireland, and the world, to experience everything our city has to offer.”
Dr Labhrás O Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said: “As Comhaltas celebrates its 75th anniversary, we reflect with pride on a remarkable journey of bringing communities together through traditional Irish music, culture and friendship.
Throughout the day traditional Irish music sessions took place carnival music from BEATnDRUM samba band at Flaxx Social Space and the opening of the official Food and Drink Village at Belfast Cathedral.
Local community events included the Super Sunday Session in the Commons on Ormeau Road, music trails from north and south Belfast into the city centre, heritage tours and dance sessions.
