08/07/2026
Belfast Fleadh Gears Up With 1,300 Volunteers To Welcome Visitors
More than 1,300 people have signed up to volunteer for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann in Belfast next month, with training under way and up to 800,000 attendees expected.
Training and orientation sessions are running throughout July to prepare volunteers as the welcoming faces of the eight-day festival, which takes place from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August.
The programme is being coordinated by Volunteer Now on behalf of hosts Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ. Sign-ups include Belfast residents, experienced event volunteers and music enthusiasts from across Ireland and further afield, forming a diverse team ready to help visitors, musicians and competitors feel at home.
From greeting arrivals at transport hubs and providing wayfinding across the city to supporting competitions, neighbourhood fringe events and Scoil Égise music tuition classes, volunteers will play a pivotal role. Easily identifiable in bright yellow T-shirts and hats, they will also champion sustainability as waste and recycling advocates, assist as venue runners and help people access information, facilities and events.
"Our volunteers will be the heartbeat of the Fleadh – the 'event makers' helping to bring this huge event to life," said Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.
He added: "With more than 1,300 people now fully registered, they demonstrate the enthusiasm, generosity and civic pride that exists across Belfast, and we're grateful to each of them for their time, effort and contribution.
"Their warmth, knowledge and commitment will help showcase our city at its very best and ensure everyone who comes to the Fleadh will receive the warm welcome we are famous for."
At yesterday's training session at University of Ulster, organisers highlighted that volunteering offers far more than a front-row seat at the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture.
"Volunteer Now has been proud to lead the recruitment, training and preparation of the volunteer team for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026," said Denise Hayward, Chief Executive of Volunteer Now.
She said: "Through volunteering, people have the opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, build confidence and make lasting friendships with others who share a passion for music, culture and community.
"We are delighted to see so many people stepping forward to get involved and are confident that the friendships, skills and experiences they gain will stay with them long after the Fleadh has ended."
All volunteer places for this year's Fleadh have now been filled, but a reserve list remains open should additional support be required. Sign up via fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteer. Registrations for the 2027 event will open later in August.
Training and orientation sessions are running throughout July to prepare volunteers as the welcoming faces of the eight-day festival, which takes place from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August.
The programme is being coordinated by Volunteer Now on behalf of hosts Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ. Sign-ups include Belfast residents, experienced event volunteers and music enthusiasts from across Ireland and further afield, forming a diverse team ready to help visitors, musicians and competitors feel at home.
From greeting arrivals at transport hubs and providing wayfinding across the city to supporting competitions, neighbourhood fringe events and Scoil Égise music tuition classes, volunteers will play a pivotal role. Easily identifiable in bright yellow T-shirts and hats, they will also champion sustainability as waste and recycling advocates, assist as venue runners and help people access information, facilities and events.
"Our volunteers will be the heartbeat of the Fleadh – the 'event makers' helping to bring this huge event to life," said Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.
"Their warmth, knowledge and commitment will help showcase our city at its very best and ensure everyone who comes to the Fleadh will receive the warm welcome we are famous for."
At yesterday's training session at University of Ulster, organisers highlighted that volunteering offers far more than a front-row seat at the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture.
"Volunteer Now has been proud to lead the recruitment, training and preparation of the volunteer team for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026," said Denise Hayward, Chief Executive of Volunteer Now.
She said: "Through volunteering, people have the opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, build confidence and make lasting friendships with others who share a passion for music, culture and community.
"We are delighted to see so many people stepping forward to get involved and are confident that the friendships, skills and experiences they gain will stay with them long after the Fleadh has ended."
All volunteer places for this year's Fleadh have now been filled, but a reserve list remains open should additional support be required. Sign up via fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteer. Registrations for the 2027 event will open later in August.
Latest Northern Ireland News
08 July 2026
NI Water Urges Households To Skip Sprinklers In Hot Weather
As temperatures climb, NI Water is asking gardeners to go 'eau' naturelle by giving sprinklers and hosepipes a rest, stressing that established lawns can withstand dry spells and that trimming outdoor use helps ease pressure on water supplies during the busy summer months.
NI Water Urges Households To Skip Sprinklers In Hot Weather
As temperatures climb, NI Water is asking gardeners to go 'eau' naturelle by giving sprinklers and hosepipes a rest, stressing that established lawns can withstand dry spells and that trimming outdoor use helps ease pressure on water supplies during the busy summer months.
08 July 2026
Belfast Fleadh Gears Up With 1,300 Volunteers To Welcome Visitors
More than 1,300 people have signed up to volunteer for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann in Belfast next month, with training under way and up to 800,000 attendees expected.
Belfast Fleadh Gears Up With 1,300 Volunteers To Welcome Visitors
More than 1,300 people have signed up to volunteer for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann in Belfast next month, with training under way and up to 800,000 attendees expected.
08 July 2026
Budget Energy To Raise Electricity Tariffs By 9.5% From 4 August
Budget Energy will raise variable electricity tariffs by 9.5% from 4 August 2026, adding about £122 a year to a typical credit customer's bill and roughly £121 for a standard-rate keypad user. The company, Northern Ireland's third-largest electricity supplier, said the change applies to variable tariffs.
Budget Energy To Raise Electricity Tariffs By 9.5% From 4 August
Budget Energy will raise variable electricity tariffs by 9.5% from 4 August 2026, adding about £122 a year to a typical credit customer's bill and roughly £121 for a standard-rate keypad user. The company, Northern Ireland's third-largest electricity supplier, said the change applies to variable tariffs.
08 July 2026
Invest NI-Backed Projects To Deliver More Than £760m Investment Across NI
A series of regional announcements published by Invest NI highlights significant investment commitments across Northern Ireland, with projects expected to create thousands of new jobs while supporting business growth, innovation and productivity.
Invest NI-Backed Projects To Deliver More Than £760m Investment Across NI
A series of regional announcements published by Invest NI highlights significant investment commitments across Northern Ireland, with projects expected to create thousands of new jobs while supporting business growth, innovation and productivity.
08 July 2026
South Eastern Trust Urges Blood Donations
Donated blood is central to lifesaving care across the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, which is appealing to eligible people to give blood to help maintain steady supplies for patients. Staff say demand remains constant and that transfusions underpin both planned procedures and urgent, unpredictable emergencies.
South Eastern Trust Urges Blood Donations
Donated blood is central to lifesaving care across the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, which is appealing to eligible people to give blood to help maintain steady supplies for patients. Staff say demand remains constant and that transfusions underpin both planned procedures and urgent, unpredictable emergencies.
08 July 2026
Ombudsman Rules PSNI's Use Of Force During June Disorder Proportionate
A review by the Police Ombudsman into the PSNI's deployment of water cannon and 'Attenuating Energy Projectiles' (AEPs) during public disorder in June has found the force used was proportionate. Officers discharged AEPs 20 times and used water cannon to manage disorder on the night of 10 June 2026.
Ombudsman Rules PSNI's Use Of Force During June Disorder Proportionate
A review by the Police Ombudsman into the PSNI's deployment of water cannon and 'Attenuating Energy Projectiles' (AEPs) during public disorder in June has found the force used was proportionate. Officers discharged AEPs 20 times and used water cannon to manage disorder on the night of 10 June 2026.
08 July 2026
O’Dowd Urges Businesses To Have Their Say On Business Rates Reforms
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has met Belfast Chamber to discuss proposed changes to Northern Ireland's non-domestic rating system and to encourage businesses to contribute to the ongoing consultation on the Business Growth Accelerator and Non-Domestic Vacant Rating.
O’Dowd Urges Businesses To Have Their Say On Business Rates Reforms
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has met Belfast Chamber to discuss proposed changes to Northern Ireland's non-domestic rating system and to encourage businesses to contribute to the ongoing consultation on the Business Growth Accelerator and Non-Domestic Vacant Rating.
08 July 2026
Muir Unveils Northern Ireland’s First Tree Planting Action Plan
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has launched Northern Ireland's first Tree Planting Action Plan, a blueprint to accelerate woodland creation and support the goal of reaching 12% forest cover by 2050.
Muir Unveils Northern Ireland’s First Tree Planting Action Plan
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has launched Northern Ireland's first Tree Planting Action Plan, a blueprint to accelerate woodland creation and support the goal of reaching 12% forest cover by 2050.
08 July 2026
O'Neill And Little-Pengelly Spotlight North West Regeneration
The Ministers began at Meenan Square, where they marked the start of construction on a flagship regeneration project backed by £13 million from The Executive Office's Urban Villages Initiative. The scheme will provide new homes, community facilities, commercial space and a renewed public square.
O'Neill And Little-Pengelly Spotlight North West Regeneration
The Ministers began at Meenan Square, where they marked the start of construction on a flagship regeneration project backed by £13 million from The Executive Office's Urban Villages Initiative. The scheme will provide new homes, community facilities, commercial space and a renewed public square.
08 July 2026
£19.5m Upgrade Completed At Ballinrees Water Treatment Works
A £19.5 million investment at Ballinrees Water Treatment Works, outside Coleraine, has been completed, delivering a new treatment building, extra emergency storage and a pumping station to bolster drinking water quality and supply resilience across the north coast and parts of Limavady and L'Derry.
£19.5m Upgrade Completed At Ballinrees Water Treatment Works
A £19.5 million investment at Ballinrees Water Treatment Works, outside Coleraine, has been completed, delivering a new treatment building, extra emergency storage and a pumping station to bolster drinking water quality and supply resilience across the north coast and parts of Limavady and L'Derry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a rather cloudy start it will be a dry day with some bright or sunny spells developing later in the morning and a sunny afternoon will follow, though cloud may persist over northeastern coasts. Very warm, with light winds. Maximum temperature 24 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with some sunshine. Overnight staying dry and clear in the eastm while parts of the west will turn cloudier. Minimum temperature 13 °C.