Belfast City Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann have marked less than 100 days to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann by revealing seven additional headline acts for the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture.

Belfast will host the All-Ireland Fleadh for the first time from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August. The latest names reflect the festival's traditional core while showcasing the city's contemporary creative energy.

Already confirmed for the opening event on Sunday 2 August are Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, award-winning group Goitse, and former All-Ireland winners Blackwater Céilí Band. The seven new artists will also appear on the iconic Gig Rig, positioned outside Belfast City Hall.

On Wednesday 5 August, audiences can enjoy dynamic quartets Tempest Ceol and NxNW. On Thursday 6 August, acclaimed uilleann piper Conor Mallon will perform with his band. Friday 7 August welcomes Glasgow ensemble TRIP, before Saturday 8 August features rising talents Peter Street and the electrifying Mec Lir.

The main stage will host free live performances across all eight days. Following a public callout earlier this year, visitors can expect a diverse mix of multi-cultural performances and cross-community collaborations throughout the week.

To mark the 100-day milestone, the opening celebration will include more than 100 children from primary and secondary schools across North Down and Belfast as part of a school choir project.

There will also be a special collaborative piece from host branch Ards CCÉ, South Asian Dance Academy and Belfast Bands Forum, alongside an array of champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance lead, Lauren Smyth. Marking the 75th anniversary of Comhaltas and the 50th anniversary of Ards CCÉ, Fleadh 2026 will bring back a series of long-standing flagship events celebrating excellence, creativity, participation and inclusion. This includes a special anniversary concert by Ards CCÉ in the Ulster Hall, a renowned Belfast live music venue with a rich legacy.

'Ceol na Cruinne', the Comhaltas International Showcase Concert celebrating global connections and exceptional talent from Comhaltas branches worldwide, will also take place in the Ulster Hall, alongside a performance from the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra, a 60-member ensemble of exceptional young musicians, singers and dancers from across Ireland.

The Flanagan Award, in the Assembly Buildings, will pay tribute to great banjo players across traditional Irish music, whose artistic talents, intellectual gifts and creative passions embody Michael Flanagan's music and spirit. Comhaltas have announced that this year's recipient will be Cathal Hayden, from County Tyrone, an accomplished banjo and fiddle player with a distinguished career.

Belfast City Hall will also host the Gradam Inclusion Awards, an uplifting event celebrating traditional Irish musicians with additional needs, helping to ensure the Fleadh is a place where everyone can share their love of music.

The festival will conclude on Sunday 9 August with an impressive closing set from the 2026 winners of the prestigious Senior Céilí Band competition, bringing the eight-day celebration to a powerful finale.

Further details on closing events and the wider eight-day programme will be shared in May, including a fringe programme designed to create a 'Culture Night' style feel. Spanning the city centre and local neighbourhoods, the fringe activity will showcase Belfast's diversity and musical heritage and invite all ages to take part through instrument-making workshops, talks and family activities.

Volunteering opportunities remain open, with Volunteer Now reaching a milestone 1,500 registrations this week. Volunteers will play a vital role in welcoming visitors from around the world and helping deliver a memorable Fleadh experience across the city.

Tickets for Comhaltas events go on sale from Friday 1 May at fleadhcheoil.ie, with further details on the wider programme to follow later in May.