BELFAST’S first Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann transformed the city with "music in every nook and cranny" according to local politicians
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP praised Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Belfast City Council for delivering a “hugely successful” event this month, which ran in the heart of the city from August 2 – 9.
It was the first time the Fleadh had been held in Belfast.
“Many Belfast residents have had to pinch themselves this week, as the Fleadh transformed the city,” Ms Hanna said.
“Music has been enjoyed in every nook and cranny, with derelict buildings coming alive and an electric atmosphere created by those who came to perform, participate or just soak it all in.
"It has been a special week, with a new , shared optimism about the future."
Crowds flocked to Belfast last week to attend the FleadhShe added: “I want to pay tribute to Comhaltas and Belfast City Council for delivering an ambitious, inclusive event to reflect the richness of culture across this island.
"It showcased our strong tradition of Irish music while also creating space for the many identities that make up our shared home.
“I also want to recognise the performers and bands from every background who embraced that opportunity and demonstrated that culture is not exclusive or to be feared.
“They’ve show that the best way to build understanding is through engagement and participation.
“Belfast is a city capable of hosting international cultural events with confidence, warmth and ambition. The opportunity is now to build on this success.
The Fleadh surpassed projections for attendance at the event, which is set to deliver a significant economic boost for the city.
Figures released by the Belfast One Business Improvement District show total recorded footfall of 1,653,999 in the city from August 2 to 9 – more than doubling the 800,000 visitors anticipated by hosts Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.
It also doubled the figures achieved by the 2025 Fleadh, held in Wexford, which saw 750,000 people enjoy the eight-day event.
SDLP leader Claire HannaSaturday, August 8 proved to be the busiest day of the festival overall, with footfall of 289,560 people recorded by six Belfast One BID cameras located across a one square mile radius around City Hall.
The figures made it both the busiest day in the city centre so far this year, as well as the busiest day since current data collection began in 2018.
“The success of the Fleadh demonstrates the enormous potential of Belfast as a tourist and cultural destination – potential that we still have not fully realised,” SDLP Belfast City Council Group Leader Séamas de Faoite said.
“It has also provided a proof of concept for how we can do things differently in our city centre,” he added.
“We have seen what greater pedestrianisation can look like, how public transport can play a bigger role in moving large numbers of people around the city and the difference a more flexible licensing regime can make.
“The SDLP will be pushing these issues at Belfast City Council so that the lessons of this week translate into lasting improvements for our city.”
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