Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 has wrapped up in Belfast, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) saying extensive preparation helped deliver a memorable week across the city.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally, who led the policing operation, said: "Our officers and staff worked tirelessly to help deliver an event unlike anything previously seen in Northern Ireland. The professionalism shown by our officers on the ground, who assisted with the smooth running of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, is a credit to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the communities they serve.

"An event like this, which ran from Sunday 2nd August until Sunday 9th August, does not happen overnight. The sheer scale, coupled with the meticulous planning by ourselves and our partner agencies, should not be underestimated."

He said the PSNI's role focused on traffic and transport planning and keeping attendees safe, ensuring Belfast functioned as normal despite footfall in excess of one million arriving in the city centre. He said: "The role of the Police Service of Northern Ireland was to assist event organisers by supporting the traffic and transport planning and ensuring the safety of those in attendance. It was important that Belfast continued to run as normal but with the additional event management with footfall in excess of one million arriving in the city centre. This was an extremely complex and intensive policing operation, which was ultimately delivered to the highest standards.

"Colleagues from Neighbourhood Policing, Response Officers and other areas of policing provided reassurance to those attending events and helped signpost visitors and the general public who came along to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to various other agencies to make their experience both safe and enjoyable.

"It was clear our officers were warmly received by visitors, spectators and those involved in the events. Not only did they minimise any disruption to the city centre, but they certainly added to the overall feel-good factor that continues to emanate following Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. It was extremely encouraging to hear about the excellent service delivery by officers across the week from both stakeholders and the public in attendance.

"Belfast further positioned itself as a wonderful destination for visitors and further demonstrated its ability to deliver world class events. There was overwhelming positivity throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, alongside our partner agencies played a vital role in its success."