Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 has officially opened in Belfast for the first time, as the city celebrates together with powerful performances, family-friendly events and vibrant outdoor music spilling onto streets across the city.
Over 800,000 people are expected in the city this week for one of Europe’s largest cultural events, bringing together the best of traditional Irish music, along with All-Ireland competitions, activities for all ages, community-led events and a showcase of Belfast’s rich and diverse UNESCO City of Music heritage.
Two pillars of Belfast’s live events circuit, Custom House Square and The Telegraph Building have announced a weeklong programme of FREE events to celebrate the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the city, named The Fleadh Zone. From Monday 3rd – Saturday 8th of August these iconic venues will be open across various dates (listed above) to the public with a full programme of music featuring over 30 live acts and DJs; including The Shamrocks, Huartan, Ryan McMullan, Cammy Barnes, RÓIS, with more special guests yet to be announced.
Belfast’s legendary venue, The Limelight, will also play host to a series of ticketed Fleadh-focused performances featuring Navan electronic duo Le Boom, Scottish folk band Talisk, All Folk’d Up and many more.
If the Fleadh has a beating heart, it’s the Gig Rig. Set against the backdrop of Belfast City Hall, this open-air stage hosts free live performances every day, bringing thousands of people together in the centre of the city. The Opening Ceremony, Closing Event and many of the festival’s biggest performances take place here, with artists including Sharon Shannon, Lúnasa and Foy Vance appearing across the week.
Some of the best Fleadh moments aren’t found in a programme. Throughout the week, Belfast’s streets, squares and public spaces come alive with music, dance and performances, creating the buzz and energy that the Fleadh is known for around the world.
Families will be able to enjoy Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann with a full week of low-cost and free concerts, workshops, sessions and exhibitions at 2 Royal Avenue, with some late family friendly events until 11pm.
Running from Sunday 2nd to Sunday 9th August, the venue’s Fleadh Fringe programme has been curated by MayWe Events on behalf of Belfast City Council and Ards Comhaltas for all generations. Children are welcome at the evening events programmed for Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August until 11pm, allowing families to stay for the headline acts rather than having to leave as the main programme begins.
Every event is either free or deliberately low cost, with free admission to all events, for children under five throughout the week.
The family-friendly programme opens with The Light of Other Days, a free exhibition of Jim Maginn’s photographsdocumenting the people, places and traditions at the heart of Irish music. The exhibition runs daily from 10am to 6pm.
Young musicians are invited to bring their instruments to free daily seisiúns hosted by Glengormley School of Traditional Music from 2pm to 5pm, while the Families of Ulster recital series will bring some of the province’s great musical families to the stage each afternoon.
The workshop programme includes Same But Different, a hands-on exploration of the shared roots and distinct traditions of the Lambeg drum and bodhrán. Free sustainability and upcycling workshops will also run from Monday to Wednesday morning.
On Thursday 6 August, Seanchaí: A Living Tapestry of Ireland’s Stories will celebrate Ireland’s storytelling tradition before Stendhal Festival takes over the evening stage. Its line-up features Balcony Sunrise, Tessio, Paddy Nash & Friends, Polar Bolero and Alana Henderson.
On Friday and Saturday, MOIRO, Music of Irish Origin, presented by Smashing Buttons, will broaden the Fleadh sound with two nights of traditional music, folk, indie, funk, soul, hip-hop and alternative rock.
Friday’s line-up includes Rory Gallagher’s favourite guitarist, Paul Rose, the Trad Folkin’ Rocks crew, local indie favourites VERA and the acclaimed Dark Tropics, whose music has been supported by Radio 1, Radio 2 and RTÉ 2FM. Earlier performances include Cora Harkin and BGT semi-finalist Niamh Noade, joined by her musical family from TG4’s Réalta agus Gaolta.
Saturday’s daytime programme features Aidan Mulholland and Sons and international folk-pop artist Cora. The evening line-up includes funk master Noble Johnson, Ed Sheeran protégé Antwan Ruiz, Becky McNeice and rising hip-hop artist Evo, with Downtown Radio’s Neal McClelland hosting.
At the centre of Saturday night’s programme will be :Panic :Over. Fresh from sold-out shows and festival appearances at home and in Japan, the young Bangor band will take to the stage.
The full Fleadh programme and lots more information is available on the official website: https://fleadhcheoil.ie/
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