Belfast City Council has announced a wide range of opportunities for local businesses and independent traders to participate in this summer's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. The festival, which is the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture, is expected to attract over 800,000 visitors to the city between Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 August 2026.

To support the influx of visitors, the council is facilitating several key trading initiatives:

Food Village: A dedicated space in the grounds of St Anne's Cathedral will showcase the city's food scene and local produce. Recruitment for traders will be managed by an appointed operator, with details to be published on the council's website and social media channels.

St George's Market: The market will host extended opening hours throughout the festival, featuring live traditional music, food, and craft stalls. Traders in neighbouring Verner Street will also benefit from additional space from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August. Open calls for remaining spaces will be advertised in May.

City Centre Street Trading: A limited number of temporary street trading pitches will be available on High Street, Bridge Street, and Royal Avenue. Applications for these sites open online at belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh on Monday 20 April and close on Friday 29 May.

Assessment for street trading pitches will prioritise goods variety, applications from existing city traders, businesses located within the pedestrianised area, and those able to trade for the full eight-day duration. Full criteria and fee details are currently available on the council's website. Additionally, the council is working with hospitality venues to explore the use of the pavement café licensing scheme, allowing businesses to expand their premises into outdoor spaces. Hospitality operators are encouraged to engage with the council regarding entertainment and pavement licensing well in advance.

Councillor Jordan Doran, Chair of the council's Licensing Committee, said: "Hosting the Fleadh is all about bringing the city to life, including showcasing the best of our independent business community.

"Additional street trading opportunities, the bespoke food village at St Anne's Cathedral and extended hours at St George's Market will all champion local traders and artisan producers, underscore the Fleadh's commitment to quality, community and heritage, and play a huge role in delivering a vibrant festival atmosphere.

"We're also working closely with our hospitality sector to ensure we're taking on board their needs, while helping them to navigate the steps required to keep customers and staff safe during a major event, and take advantage of the opportunities the Fleadh offers.

"I would urge hospitality businesses who haven't yet spoken to us to call our Licensing team on 028 9027 0650, email buildingcontrolicensing@belfastcity.gov.uk or visit our website for advice and to chat through their own individual plans."

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, added: "Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann presents a major opportunity for the hospitality and wider business community, and we welcome the council's proactive approach in creating accessible ways for local operators to get involved.

"The scale of the event will bring significant footfall into the city, and initiatives such as the Food Village, extended market offering, and additional bar opportunities will help ensure that businesses of all sizes can benefit. It's also encouraging to see the focus on supporting venues through licensing and outdoor trading guidance, which will be key to delivering a safe, high-quality visitor experience."