A special 'Fleadh harp' has been passed on to the citizens of Belfast, marking the start of the official countdown to the city hosting the next Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2-9 August 2026.

The artwork, crafted from a piece of ancient bog yew, was accepted on behalf of the city by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, as the 2025 festival in Wexford drew to a close. During a short handover ceremony, the Lord Mayor also presented a decorative bodhrán to representatives from the organisers.

Accepting the Fleadh harp, Councillor Kelly said: "Having hosted the Fleadh in both 2024 and 2025, Wexford will prove a very hard act to follow, but Belfast is delighted to take up the baton and really ramp up our preparations for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 – let the countdown begin! The festival gives us an opportunity to showcase our city as a superb cultural destination, and the benefits that the Fleadh will bring to Belfast can't be underestimated."

The decision to award the Fleadh to Belfast was announced in March. It is only the second time the festival will be held in Northern Ireland, having previously taken place in L'Derry in 2013. Belfast City Council is partnering with the Ards branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to host the event, which is expected to deliver over 400 events, including 230 championships, over eight days.

Niall McClean, Chairperson of Ards CCÉ, said the choice of a Fleadh harp was particularly significant for Belfast given its long association with the instrument, dating back to the Belfast Harpers' Assembly in 1792.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Director General, Labhrás Ó Murchú, noted that 2026 will also be the organisation's 75th anniversary, making it an extra special year for the festival.