March 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\nFirst Minister Michelle O\u2019Neill hailed the \u201cfantastic news\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Fleadh will be hosted in Belfast this summer and return in 2027, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to celebrate the very best of Irish music, culture, and heritage,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will also be a great boost for our local economy. Beal Feirste will be buzzing, and we can\u2019t wait to welcome you all!\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of the artists involved in the 2026 event include musician Sharon Shannon and her Big Band who will headline the main stage outside Belfast City Hall on Sunday August 2.<\/p>\n
Other acts performing on the famous Gig Rig stage for the opening ceremony will be award-winning group Goitse, the Blackwater Ceili Band and Belfast ensemble McPeake.<\/p>\n
The line-up will also include a range of school choirs, as well as cross-community and multicultural performances, creating a day of free entertainment and setting the tone for a week of multi-generational shared celebration across the city.<\/p>\n
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Paul Doherty described it as a \u201ctremendous honour\u201d for the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re delighted our city will host the Fleadh again in 2027,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a tremendous honour for Belfast and underscores its status as the island\u2019s only Unesco City of Music.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt allows us to build on 2026 and further strengthen Belfast\u2019s position as a vibrant, inclusive city that celebrates its rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two-year staging will deliver a substantial tourism and economic impact, supporting local businesses, hospitality providers and cultural organisations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunity to welcome so many artists and visitors to our city is already bringing great excitement and will no doubt add to the atmosphere and energy of the week.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to sharing everything Belfast has to offer and to celebrating together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann praised the partnership with Belfast City Council and their host local branch, Ards CCE, saying that the combination of world-class international venues and specialist music hubs, unique street environments and strong community support made the decision to return to Belfast an easy one.<\/p>\n
Dr Labhras O Murchu, director-general of Comhaltas, said Belfast will elevate the event to new heights.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe decision to host the Fleadh in Belfast again in 2027 reflects the scale of our ambition and the strength of our partnership with Belfast City Council,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith world-class stages in the Waterfront and Ulster Hall, Belfast is set to elevate the amazing performances and atmosphere of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann to new heights.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s clear the warmth of welcome that awaits in Belfast will create a natural home for the event and we look forward to celebrating our 75th milestone year in the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe appreciate the work that Belfast City Council and Ards CCE have put into planning 2026 and for their 2027 bid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Niall McClean, chairman of Ards CCE, added: \u201cIt\u2019s a privilege to host the event in Belfast in both 2026 and 2027.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven before the first note has been played at Fleadh 2026, we\u2019ve seen a remarkable surge in interest in Irish traditional music, song and dance with increased enrolment in classes particularly around Belfast.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Fleadh is more than a festival, it\u2019s a catalyst to inspire older generations to pass on their skills and for new generations to carry these timeless traditions forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continue to be delighted to be part of this momentous opportunity for both our organisation and for Belfast.\u201d<\/p>\n