Families are encouraged to join the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann celebrations across Belfast today, with a packed Day Four programme designed to keep all ages entertained during the summer holidays.

Event hosts Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ are urging visitors to use public transport, the three official Fleadh Park and Ride sites at Eikon Exhibition Centre, Giant's Park and Belfast Harbour, and to consider walking or cycling when planning a day out. Roads directly in front of and beside City Hall — Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Donegall Square East and Donegall Square West — are closed to all traffic until the event ends on Sunday 9 August to support safe pedestrian movement. Travellers should plan ahead, allow extra time and follow instructions from stewards and volunteers. For the latest bus and rail information, check translink.co.uk/fleadh or use the Journey Planner app.

Live music will fill the city centre throughout the day, even with some showers expected. Scotstown CCÉ opens the Gig Rig in the City Hall grounds at 11.35am, with a lively bill to follow including touring group Planxty O'Rourke, Tír na nÓg Dancing Troupe and Ealta. No tickets are required for the Gig Rig and there is no need to book.

This evening's programme turns up the tempo with two boundary-pushing traditional acts: Tempest at 8.45pm and NxNW at 10pm, bringing fresh arrangements, contemporary influences and dynamic performance styles — also free on the Gig Rig. Families can choose from a wide range of activities: Sammy the Squirrel: Irish storytelling for early years at 2 Royal Avenue, 10am (free); The Secret of Kells Cinemagic film screening aboard the Belfast Barge, 10.30am (free); The Salmon of Knowledge storytelling at Central Library, 11.30am and 3.30pm (free); The Plantin folklore theatre experience at Central Library, times vary (£5); daily children's seisiúns at 2 Royal Avenue, 3pm–5pm; a children's trad trail setting off from the Castle Place tent, 12pm–2pm; Echos of Erin Irish dancing at Victoria Square, 12pm–4pm; Families of Ulster recital with the Meehan Family (Armagh) at 2 Royal Avenue, 1pm–2pm; and print your own Fleadh linocut with artist Jonathan Brennan at Vault Studios, 1pm–4pm (free).

There are also craft activities in the Castle Place tent — including scrap instrument making from recycled materials, 10am–12pm — plus treats and entertainment at the Food and Drink Village at Belfast Cathedral, the ICC's Craic and Craft Market, and a host of attractions along the Maritime Mile.

Today's honours include the Flanagan Award, recognising outstanding banjo playing in traditional Irish music and acknowledging Cathal Hayden from Tyrone, and the Ard-Ollamh Award at City Hall, celebrating the work of Reverend Gary Hastings for his commitment to both the Irish language and music.

The Ulster Hall stages Ebb and Flow, a special concert reflecting on how rivers, lakes and coastlines shape the places we call home, featuring Úna Monaghan, Duke Special and Ryan Vail, alongside musicians from Belfast Bands Forum, Ards CCÉ and the Ulster Orchestra. The performance will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster (tickets £15).

For updates on what's on throughout the week, follow Fleadh Cheoil on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.