Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised volunteers, clinicians and emergency responders supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 during a visit to the central medical hub at Ulster University.

Ulster University is hosting the Fleadh Medical Centre, where St John Ambulance Northern Ireland volunteers are working alongside Health and Social Care (HSC), the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and other emergency partners to provide on-site care at what is expected to be Belfast's largest ever event. More than 800,000 visitors are anticipated over the eight-day festival.

During his visit, the Minister met volunteers, healthcare staff, university representatives, Welcome Volunteers and young musicians taking part in the Fleadh.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "This is Belfast at its very best. Behind the music and celebration is a major operation keeping people safe. The teamwork here is exceptional, with volunteers, clinicians, ambulance crews and university staff working side by side so people can enjoy the Fleadh with confidence.

"It is a strong example of care closer to home, treating people on site where appropriate and helping ease pressure on our hospitals and emergency departments."

Welcomed by Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Provost at Ulster University, the Minister was introduced to Brian Allen, Regional Commander of St John Ambulance Northern Ireland, who led a tour of the central medical hub based on the University's Belfast campus. Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Provost at Ulster University, said:"It was a pleasure to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to Ulster University and to showcase the many ways in which our Belfast campus is supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.

"As a core host venue and educational partner, we are delighted to be playing our part in helping deliver this landmark event for Belfast. From hosting the central medical hub with St John Ambulance Northern Ireland and welcoming hundreds of young musicians through Scoil Éigse to staging All-Ireland competitions on our Belfast campus, the University is making a significant contribution to the success of the festival."

The Minister thanked Brian Allen and St John Ambulance Northern Ireland for their role caring for attendees.

Brian Allen said: "This is one of the largest deployments in our history. Our volunteers are proud to work alongside HSC, NIAS, Ulster University and partners. By treating people on site where appropriate, we can reduce unnecessary hospital attendances while helping keep people safe at this major event."

Mr Nesbitt also met Rita Keenan from Armagh, one of around 1,500 Welcome Volunteers supporting visitors across Belfast. Volunteering at the Fleadh for the seventh year while recovering from a recent shoulder replacement, Rita thanked the Minister for efforts to reduce waiting lists.

Mr Nesbitt said: "Rita's story shows why reducing waiting times matters. When people are treated sooner, they recover sooner and can get back to the things they value, including volunteering in their community."

The visit concluded with a performance by pupils attending Scoil Éigse, led by Director Kieran Hanrahan, offering a fitting reminder of the positive impact of music and culture on health and wellbeing.