Belfast Fleadh opens Sunday with free City Hall show
Belfast’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 begins on Sunday 2 August with a free opening event at the main Gig Rig outside City Hall. The festival runs until Sunday 9 August, bringing traditional Irish music, family activities and performances to venues across the city.
The opening ceremony starts at 12 noon and is open to everyone. Sharon Shannon and her Big Band will headline from 8pm, while the programme also includes the specially commissioned ‘Sharing Traditions’ showcase, a 130-plus school choir and performances from the Blackwater Céilí Band, Goitse and the Shaer, Moss and Warnock Trio.
Eight days of music across Belfast
The Gig Rig at City Hall will host free music from morning until late evening throughout the festival, including headline performances from traditional music acts such as Sí Fiddlers and Lunása. Seven pop-up session spaces will offer drop-in acoustic opportunities at 2 Royal Avenue, Castle Place, Donegall Quay/Big Fish, CastleCourt, Corn Market, the Assembly Rooms and ICC Belfast.
The Fleadh Fringe will add intimate performances at specialist city-centre venues, including appearances by Kate Nash, Ryan McMullan and Foy Vance. City Hall will also host open-air céilís at 3pm on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August.
Other highlights include the Ulster Bands Showcase at Titanic Slipways, the Connections multicultural showcase, the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, the Ceol na Cruinne International Showcase and a concert by the Kilfenora Céilí Band.
For visitors planning their stay, our Belfast Fleadh visitor guide covers accommodation and campsite information.
Family activities and food in the city
Families can take part in children’s trad trails, storytelling based on Irish and Ulster-Scots folklore, circus and carnival performances, Irish dancing displays, youth seisiúns and family recitals. Castle Place will have arts and crafts and street entertainers, while the Irish Language Hub at the MAC will offer storytelling, films and circus skills through Irish.
The Food Village at Belfast Cathedral will provide a place to eat and relax during the day.
Late-night events and travel arrangements
The evening programme includes the Trisco trad disco at the Limelight on Friday 7 August, alongside a performance by Talisk. Ticketed events and awards will also take place at venues including the Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall.
Additional late-night bus and rail services will run on Sunday 2 August and from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August. The source does not specify individual fares, booking arrangements or accessibility details. Most events are free, but some are ticketed and costs apply; full programme information is available at fleadhcheoil.ie.
The festival closes on Sunday 9 August, when the 2026 Senior Céilí Band winners will perform on the City Hall Gig Rig after the competition at Waterfront Hall.
Source: Belfast City Council
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The preview was checked against the council’s event details for dates, venues, programme highlights, cost and late-night transport.
- Confirmed the festival dates as 2–9 August 2026.
- Checked the free City Hall opening event and 12 noon start time.
- Cross-checked named performers, family activities and festival venues.
- Included the stated late-night bus and rail service dates without adding route details.
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- Belfast City Council
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- Belfast, Northern Ireland
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- 2026-07-30 14:35
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