Belfast is gearing up for a landmark cultural fortnight as the six-week countdown begins to Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. At a launch event in the Black Box, Belfast City Council joined organisers Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ to call on residents, businesses and visitors to get involved and make the most of the opportunities the Fleadh will bring. Representatives from Visit Belfast, Tourism Northern Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Volunteer Now, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for the Economy, alongside performers, event organisers and local firms, gathered to hear how preparations are progressing for the festival, which runs from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August. One of Europe's largest cultural gatherings, the Fleadh is set to attract about 800,000 people for eight days of traditional music, culture and celebration — the first time Belfast has hosted the event. A wide network of partners, organisations and venues — including the Black Box — is working with the council to ready the city. Plans prioritise travel and access, public safety and inclusive programming to ensure a memorable experience for both residents and visitors. With road closures and traffic restrictions due in the city centre during the event, people are urged to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra time and use public transport where possible. Belfast's compact, walkable centre and transport links will support movement between Fleadh venues, aided by clear signage, volunteer stewards and up-to-date travel information throughout the week. Access to the city will be enhanced by three dedicated Park and Ride sites located near key arterial routes. Pre-booking for these spaces opens on Monday 6 July at fleadhcheoil.ie/travel. Public safety remains central, with ongoing coordination between PSNI, the emergency services and local businesses to deliver a safe, well-managed festival. More than 200 events are planned across venues and neighbourhoods, including All-Ireland competitions, concerts and a wide-ranging cultural programme. Inclusive, cross-community participation is a core focus, with family-friendly and accessible events and a showcase of the city's musical heritage. The Fleadh is forecast to provide a significant economic lift for Belfast, supporting hospitality, tourism and local traders during what is expected to be one of the city's busiest ever weeks. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, is looking forward to the celebrations. "With six weeks to go, there is real momentum building right across our city, as we prepare to host the Fleadh for the first time," she said. "Tá na Fleadh ag teannadh linn agus an cathair ar fad faoi Iánseol ag ullmhú don samhraidh is mó ceoil dá raibh againn riamh. "This is a major moment for Belfast and we are working closely with our partners to ensure the city is ready — from traffic management to public safety, together with a fantastic programme of events and activities which reflect our theme of 'celebrating together'. "Today's announcement from the Department for Economy and Tourism NI that they are investing £1 million towards our preparations is a welcome boost as we move towards delivery and I encourage everyone to now plan ahead, get involved and be part of what will be a fantastic week for Belfast." Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said: "This is a milestone year for Comhaltas as we celebrate 75 years of promoting, developing and preserving our rich cultural heritage for future generations. "From the very beginning, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has been at the heart of our mission to connect communities through a shared love of our culture. "As Belfast prepares to host visitors from across Ireland and around the world, we look forward to a week that will showcase the very best of traditional music, song and dance, while creating new friendships, lasting memories and a warm welcome for everyone who attends." For full details on what's planned, and for journey planning support, visit fleadhcheoil.ie.