By Amy Pollock
A LOCAL Irish culture group is celebrating after being named as the hosts of the world’s largest festival of Irish music and dance.
The all-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil will come to Belfast in 2026 and the Ards branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) will work alongside Belfast City Council to organise the globally acclaimed event.
CCÉ is an international non-profit cultural movement committed to the preservation and promotion of Irish arts, with over 450 branches worldwide.
It will be the second time the Fleadh Cheoil has been held in Northern Ireland since Derry-Londonderry hosted in 2013, and the first time ever in Belfast since the event launched in 1951.
The 2026 event will also mark CCÉ’s 75th year and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Ards branch which caters for the Ards and North Down area.
In the past, the all-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil has welcomed up to 600,000 visitors to the host town or city, with more than 500,000 people visiting Wexford for last year’s festival.
In the run-up to the Fleadh, Ards CCÉ also plans to hold a fringe event in Bangor, which will include performances from world-class musicians, vocalists and dancers.
The chair of Ards CCÉ, Niall McClean, said: “Ards CCÉ are thrilled and honoured to be host branch and bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 to Belfast in association with Belfast City Council.”
He said the Ards branch is ‘committed’ and ‘delighted’ to be part of the momentous occasion.
“We cannot wait to see the streets filled with music, song and dance and there will be plenty of opportunities for Holywood, Bangor and Newtownards to take advantage of.
“We want to make sure that Ards and North Down, as our home, has a part to play in the festivities and the whole community shares in our love of traditional music.”
He continued: “Belfast will, without doubt, be an amazing venue for the Fleadh and Bangor will greatly benefit both recreationally and economically as a result.”
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alistair Cathcart, has welcomed the news that Belfast has been chosen as the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2026.
“The council was pleased to have provided a letter of support for Belfast’s bid to host the event and we are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to Ards and North Down throughout the festival,” he said.
“Around half a million visitors are expected to attend what is the world’s largest annual festival of Irish music, song and dance. Demand for accommodation will be high and those attending the festival are welcome to stay in Ards and North Down.
“Not only can we offer a range of suitable accommodation combined with good transport links to Belfast, but visitors also have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our Borough and its 115 miles of stunning coastline during their stay, not to mention many hidden gems, delicious eateries and more.
“Ards and North Down has previously hosted the Ulster Fleadh and just last year, I hosted a reception for Ards CCE after they secured four gold medals during the All Ireland Fleadh. I am sure our local group will be aiming for even more success in Belfast next year.”
More information on Ards CCÉ and Fleadh Cheoil 2026 developments can be found at: www.facebook.com/ards.comhaltasceoltoirieireann
