03/08/2026
Tourism NI Welcomes Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann To Belfast
Tourism NI joined celebrations at Belfast City Hall as the 2026 Fleadh got under way, with events continuing until Sunday 9 August.
Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, and Laura McCorry, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, were among the guests at the Opening Ceremony held in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
Thousands turned out to mark the start of the seven-day celebration, enjoying a packed programme that featured Titled, Sharing Traditions, a specially commissioned showcase uniting Irish traditional music with Dhol drummers, Indian dancers, flute and pipe bands, and Highland dancers.
Performances also came from the host branch, Ards CCÉ, South Asian Dance Academy, Belfast Bands Forum, champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance lead, Lauren Smyth, and school choirs.
The ceremony was headlined by legendary musician Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, while Belfast composer Neil Martin directed Connections, a multicultural performance on the Gig Rig in partnership with ArtsEkta.
Those gathered heard from a range of speakers including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly BL MLA, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Belfast Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly, President Catherine Connolly, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh, Uachtarán of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), and John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council.
More than 700,000 visitors from across the island of Ireland and further afield are expected over the week, showcasing exceptional artistic talent alongside the high-quality, diverse tourism offering in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.
Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, and Laura McCorry, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, were among the guests at the Opening Ceremony held in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
Thousands turned out to mark the start of the seven-day celebration, enjoying a packed programme that featured Titled, Sharing Traditions, a specially commissioned showcase uniting Irish traditional music with Dhol drummers, Indian dancers, flute and pipe bands, and Highland dancers.
Performances also came from the host branch, Ards CCÉ, South Asian Dance Academy, Belfast Bands Forum, champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance lead, Lauren Smyth, and school choirs.
Those gathered heard from a range of speakers including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly BL MLA, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Belfast Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly, President Catherine Connolly, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh, Uachtarán of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), and John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council.
More than 700,000 visitors from across the island of Ireland and further afield are expected over the week, showcasing exceptional artistic talent alongside the high-quality, diverse tourism offering in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Bright spells and mostly dry in the morning. Becoming cloudy for all in the afternoon with outbreaks of rain over northwestern parts, turning occasionally heavy. Staying dry in the southeast until later. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Remaining cloudy through the evening as persistent rain spreads southeast to all parts, turning heavy at times. This continues east overnight, largely clear by dawn to allow some clear spells. Minimum temperature 11 °C.