A look back at Sunday’s Fleadh opening ceremonypublished at 13:24 BST

13:24 BST

Four women are standing together. The two on the outside have their hands clasped. The two in the middle are clapping. All are smiling. Other people and a large screen and chairs are in the background.Image source, PA MediaImage caption,

The deputy first minister, the first minister, the lord mayor of Belfast and the president of Ireland shared a stage at the Fleadh’s opening ceremony

The Fleadh, the top all-Ireland celebration and competition of Irish music and dance, had never been held in Belfast before.

So it’s maybe no surprise that thousands of people flocked to the City Hall last Sunday to get it officially started.

The opening ceremony featured performances from local musicians and dancers, including Ards CCÉ, the local branch of Comhaltas, which organises the Fleadh, before speeches from Irish President Catherine Connolly, First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Belfast Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly.

President Connolly described it as “very, very special” that the Fleadh is being held in Belfast, saying the festival celebrates “what we have in common and the universality of music, song and dance”.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she couldn’t be prouder that Belfast is hosting the event. “It is our Fleadh and we’ll celebrate it together,” she said.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said culture does not divide people.

“It strengthens the place we all call home,” she added.

A man is standing onstage with his arms up. He has long hair and a beard and wears glasses. He's wearing a grey suit.Image source, Pacemaker PressImage caption,

Trad royalty The Hothouse Flowers performed on Sunday afternoon

The celebrations continued throughout the day with performances on the Gig Rig stage outside City Hall, while traditional music, dance and street performances spilled out across Belfast city centre.

The eight-day festival runs until 9 August, with more than 200 events taking place across the city, including competitions, concerts, workshops and family activities.