Belfast sets the stage for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026

Belfast City Council and Comhaltas this week announced the key city centre venues that will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this summer, August 2 - 9.

As Belfast tunes up to hold the iconic event for the first time, organizers have also launched an open call for artists to perform on the festival’s main outdoor stage, the Gig Rig.

Described by organizers as "the beating heart of the Fleadh," the Gig Rig will be located at Belfast City Hall, hosting free performances from both big-name acts and emerging talent, as well as the event’s opening and closing ceremonies.

Organizers are now seeking applications from traditional musicians, emerging artists, youth groups, community ensembles, and innovative collaborations that reflect the festival’s traditions, push creative boundaries, and showcase Belfast’s diversity.

Artists interested in applying to perform on the Gig Rig stage can find out more on FleadhCheoil.ie, where an application form and eligibility criteria will be live until January 31.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, has welcomed the opportunity and is encouraging individuals and groups to get involved.

“In bringing Fleadh to Belfast this year, we want to deliver an experience that welcomes everyone, and the Gig Rig will play a key part in sharing the richness, diversity and energy of traditional music from all cultures and the contemporary interpretations inspired by it," Kelly said.

"This open call offers musicians from a range of backgrounds the opportunity to perform on the event’s main stage, creating a space where tradition meets innovation and where communities can come together through music and performance.

"With a range of world-class performance spaces and specialist musical settings in our city, Belfast is providing Fleadh with venues that reflect and complement the nature of the festival but also showcase what we can offer as a city for events of this size and scale.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly is joined by members of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Belfast Boys’ Model School Flute Band, and ArtsEkta-South Asian Dance Academy at Belfast City Hall as Belfast City Council and Comhaltas announce the key city centre venues that will host this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. (Belfast City Council)

Other key venues in Belfast for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 will include the Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall, which will provide a stage for competitors from across the world to perform in a range of competition categories.

Viewed as the festival’s pinnacle competition, the top-tier senior céilí bands will compete in the ICC Belfast on the final Sunday of the event, August 9.

Scoil Éigse, another essential part of the Fleadh, will be held in the new Ulster University campus. Organizers say this week of intensive tuition and fun-filled sessions helps young musicians learn from the genre’s best musicians and teachers.

The MAC, one of Belfast’s leading contemporary arts spaces, will also feature as a venue.

Niall McClean, Chairperson of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said: “We’re delighted to mark the start of 2026 by sharing the superb range of venues that will host Belfast’s first Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

"Locating the Gig Rig at City Hall is particularly apt as this main stage places free music, song, and dance in the heart of the city across the eight days.

"Through the launch of the Gig Rig application process, we are also providing a wide range of musicians, singers, and dancers with the opportunity to be part of the Fleadh. This is such a unique opportunity. Performing at the Fleadh is always a special experience, and we encourage groups and performers to apply now to be part of this shared celebration.”

Plans are well underway to deliver a vibrant Fleadh. Working in partnership with cultural organisations and community groups, organizers are developing a programme of cultural events that will celebrate music, arts, and heritage across Belfast City, including live music performances, family-friendly activities, and community-led initiatives. This will include the opportunity for Belfast residents to share their creative ideas for the Fleadh as part of Belfast City Council's annual Bank of Ideas initiative, which will see successful suggestions supported by funding, if voted for by other citizens.

Organizers added that with at least 800,000 visitors expected in the city this August, engagement sessions will take place between now and spring, inviting communities, businesses, and cultural groups to come along and find out more about what’s in store, how to get involved, and how to plan ahead, including for road closures.

Further information will be shared by Belfast City Council and its city and statutory partners when the detail is confirmed. Dates and times for the public and stakeholder information sessions will be made available on the council’s website and social media channels. Volunteer Now is also recruiting for a range of volunteers, with full training provided.