Belfast has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture. The announcement was made at City Hall on Saturday, 8th March, following a meeting of the Ardchomhairle of Comhaltas in Belfast.

The decision follows a successful bid by Belfast City Council, in partnership with Ards CCÉ, to bring the prestigious event to the city. The 2026 Fleadh will coincide with Comhaltas's 75th anniversary and Ards CCÉ's 50th anniversary.

The eight-day festival, scheduled to run from Sunday, 2nd August, to Sunday, 9th August, 2026, is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. The 2024 Fleadh in Wexford featured over 400 events, including 230 championships, attracting over 650,000 attendees and generating an estimated €70 million (approximately £58.5 million) for the local economy.

The Belfast Fleadh will feature a diverse programme of events, including large concerts, street performances, pop-up gigs, community céilís, and competitions in music, song, and dance at various levels.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: "I am delighted that the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will finally be coming to Belfast in 2026. Our council is committed to bringing major events to the city, because we know from past experience the huge social and economic benefits they can bring, not just to our city centre, but to local communities also. I have no doubt that the Fleadh in Belfast will be something unique. It will be a truly inclusive festival that will allow our citizens – and visitors from near and far – to celebrate together."

Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Director-General of Comhaltas, said: "We appreciate the work that Belfast City Council and Ards CCÉ have put into securing this bid and we look forward to working with them, to ensure Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil Belfast 2026 is a huge success. It'll be just the second time in its 75-year history that the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil will be held north of the border. The legacy of the 2013 Comhaltas Fleadh in Derry City is still widely spoken about, making this a fantastic opportunity for Belfast to create its own legacy."

Niall McClean, chairperson of Ards CCÉ, said: "Ards CCÉ are thrilled and honoured to bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 to Belfast in association with Belfast City Council. This really is history in the making and an amazing opportunity and milestone for our branch, as we will also be celebrating our 50-year anniversary in 2026. Belfast will, without doubt, be an amazing venue for the Fleadh and Comhaltas are committed and delighted to be part of this momentous occasion."

Further details of the Fleadh programme for Belfast will be announced in due course.

The 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be held in Wexford this coming August. For more information about the festival, visit Fleadh Cheoil .