Belfast's flourishing food and drink community — spanning artisan producers, market traders, independent cafés, restaurants and local drinks brands — is preparing to welcome the huge audiences heading to Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann next month.

Running from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August, the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture will see the city's hospitality at the heart of the action, giving musicians and attendees a place to relax and refuel between competitions, sessions and more than 200 events.

Venues across Belfast are lining up special Fleadh menus and discounts, as well as creating performance spaces for musicians.

A dedicated Food and Drink Village beside Belfast Cathedral, operated by Market Place Europe on behalf of Belfast City Council, will showcase local traders, producers and growers. It opens 11am–6pm on Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 August; 10am–8pm from Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 August; and 10am–11pm from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 August.

Visitors can expect a varied menu celebrating regional flavours and top-quality local ingredients, alongside relaxed communal seating, a covered dining area and a live music stage providing the soundtrack to your snack.

St George's Market will open throughout Fleadh week, beyond its usual weekend hours: 10am–3pm on Sunday 2 August; 10am–5pm from Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 August; and 10am–10pm from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August — anticipated to be the event's busiest days. The city's oldest market will offer coffee, sweet treats, souvenirs and handcrafted goods, with live music and extra trading space on neighbouring Verner Street. ICC Belfast/Waterfront Hall — another official Fleadh site set beside the competition venues — will stage its Craic and Craft Market, featuring street food vendors, family activities and live music.

Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of the council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: "The Fleadh is an opportunity to celebrate not only our local music and culture, but also the incredible people who help make Belfast such a vibrant place to visit.

"Behind every stall, café and restaurant is a personal story – people who have built businesses, developed products and contributed to the city's growing reputation as a food and drink destination.

"Through the Belfast Flavours network, our business and tourism teams have been working closely with local producers and independent businesses to help them make the most of this opportunity to connect with new audiences, showcase their skills and demonstrate the quality and creativity that can be found right across Belfast."

With additional late-night bus services confirmed for the Fleadh, visitors will be able to extend their evenings and sample world-class restaurants, neighbourhood cafés and lively bars.

Further along the Maritime Mile, the programme includes the Titanic Quarter Night Market (4pm–10pm, Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August) and the Titanic Food Festival (11am–5pm, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August) at SS Nomadic, together with live music sessions, outdoor film screenings, carnival games and pop-up céilís.

Look out for Fleadh-friendly signage across the city for special offers and menus, and check directly with venues and businesses for details.