The King and Queen visited Belfast on Tuesday, 18 May for a preview of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture, which will be hosted in the city for the first time from 2-9 August.

Their Majesties travelled to the Pumphouse in the city's Titanic Quarter to get a taste of what Belfast has planned for the eight-day event, which is projected to attract over 800,000 visitors. During the visit, they met with representatives from Belfast City Council, including the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, and Chief Executive John Walsh. They also met with players from Ards CCÉ, who are partnering with the council to host the festival. Members of the Belfast Bands Forum and Ards CCÉ welcomed The King and Queen with a rendition of 'I'll Tell Me Ma' at a mini 'Fleadh village' set against the backdrop of the Harland and Wolff cranes. The city's rich diversity, which forms a cornerstone of Belfast's Fleadh Cheoil programme, was showcased through colourful performances by Polish and Ukrainian dancers, alongside music from Kurdish, Mexican, and African musicians playing traditional instruments.

At the Fleadh 'musicians' corner', Their Majesties met 14-year-old Seamus McClean, a multiple All-Ireland champion on the uilleann pipes. Local Comhaltas members also provided a demonstration of other traditional Irish instruments, including the bodhrán, tin whistle, and fiddle.

Following a short jig and reel performed by dancers from the Reilly School of Irish Dancing, The King and Queen viewed the Fleadh harp. This ceremonial gift is passed between Fleadh host cities and will remain in Belfast ahead of the city hosting the festival for a second time in August 2027.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: "What a honour for Belfast to host The King and Queen today and give them a real sense of what's in store for visitors to our city.

"Hosting Fleadh Cheoil is an opportunity to 'celebrate together' and put on the very best of Belfast, in all its shared traditions, so everyone can feel part of it.

"Today's visit shows the colour, vibrancy, music and craic on offer this August. I'm delighted to have given The King and Queen a taste of that today."