Belfast City Council and Comhaltas have officially unveiled the key city centre locations set to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this summer.

Marking the first time the city has hosted the prestigious event, the festival will run from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August 2026.

The historic Belfast City Hall has been designated as the site for the 'Gig Rig', described as the beating heart of the festival. This main outdoor stage will host the event's opening and closing ceremonies alongside a programme of free performances featuring both established stars and rising talent.

In tandem with the venue announcement, organisers have launched an open call for performers. Traditional musicians, community ensembles, youth groups, and innovative collaborators are invited to apply for a spot on the Gig Rig. Interested artists have until 31 January 2026 to submit their applications via the official festival website. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, commented: "In bringing Fleadh to Belfast this year, we want to deliver an experience that welcomes everyone, and the Gig Rig will play a key part in sharing the richness, diversity and energy of traditional music from all cultures and the contemporary interpretations inspired by it. This open call offers musicians from a range of backgrounds the opportunity to perform on the event's main stage, creating space where tradition meets innovation and where communities can come together through music and performance. With a range of world-class performance spaces and specialist musical settings in our city, Belfast is providing Fleadh with venues that reflect and complement the nature of the festival but also showcase what we can offer as a city for events of this size and scale."

Several other high-profile venues will support the week-long celebration:

• Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall: Hosting various competition categories for international performers.

• ICC Belfast: The venue for the festival's pinnacle senior céilí band competition on Sunday 9 August.

• Ulster University (New Campus): Home to Scoil Éigse, a week of intensive musical tuition for young artists.

• The MAC: Serving as a contemporary arts hub for festival programming.

Niall McClean from Ards CCE added: "We're delighted to mark the start of 2026 by sharing the superb range of venues that will host Belfast Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Locating the Gig Rig at City Hall is particularly apt as this main stage places free music, song and dance in the heart of the city across the eight days. Through the launch of the Gig Rig application process, we are also providing a wide range of musicians, singers and dancers with the opportunity to be part of the Fleadh. This is such a unique opportunity. Performing at the Fleadh is always a special experience and we encourage groups and performers to apply now to be part of this shared celebration."

With an anticipated 800,000 visitors expected to descend on the city, the council is planning a series of community and business engagement sessions through to spring. These meetings will cover participation opportunities and logistical planning, including road closures. Additionally, the council's 'Bank of Ideas' initiative will allow residents to propose and vote on creative projects for the festival.