🎶 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉirann Belfast 2026 – Everything You Need to Know (Dates, Events & Volunteering from Ards CCÉ)
- Ards CCÉ
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
What is Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann?
The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest celebration of Irish traditional music, song and dance. Organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), the Fleadh brings together thousands of musicians, singers, dancers and visitors from across the globe for a week of competitions, concerts and street sessions.
Each year, one city or town hosts this remarkable festival — and in 2026, Belfast will proudly welcome the Fleadh back to Northern Ireland.
When and where is the Fleadh Belfast 2026 taking place?
📅 Dates: Sunday 2nd – Sunday 9th August 2026
📍 Location: Belfast City Centre and surrounding venues
Events will take place across a range of iconic Belfast locations — from open-air stages and pubs to performance halls and pop-up venues throughout the city.
Full details of venues and competition timetables will be announced closer to the event, but expect a packed week of music, dance, culture, family entertainment, and craic!
What’s Ards CCÉ’s role in the Belfast 2026 Fleadh?
Ards CCÉ is proud to be the host branch for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Belfast 2026. Our members, tutors and volunteers will be working hand-in-hand with Belfast City Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to help coordinate events, competitions, and cultural activities throughout the week.
Being the host branch is both an honour and a huge community effort — and we’ll be calling on musicians, parents, and friends to help showcase the very best of our local talent and hospitality.
How can I volunteer for Fleadh Belfast 2026?
Volunteers are at the heart of the Fleadh! Whether you can give a few hours or a few days, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved:
Stewarding and helping at venues
Assisting with competitions and adjudicators
Supporting accessibility and visitor information points
Helping with stage setup, registration and merchandise
Assisting our social media and communications teams
If you’d like to be part of the action, register your interest now
👉 Register your interest in volunteering here
What can visitors expect at Fleadh 2026?
Competitions: From fiddle and flute to dancing and singing, hundreds of events will crown Ireland’s top traditional performers.
Street Sessions: Music spilling from every corner — local and international musicians playing together.
Concerts & Céilís: Ticketed concerts featuring top performers alongside community céilís for all ages.
Workshops & Cultural Talks: Learn tunes, discover instruments, and explore the history of Irish traditional arts.
Family Fun: Street entertainment, children’s workshops, storytelling and more.
We’ll keep this page updated with confirmed events and links to ticketing as they’re announced.
How can I take part as a performer or competitor?
Musicians and dancers who wish to compete will enter through their local CCÉ branch competitions in early 2026. Winners from these will progress to county and provincial Fleadhs, and eventually to the All-Ireland finals in Belfast.
Keep an eye on your class tutors and Ards CCÉ communications for entry deadlines and details.
Get involved with Ards CCÉ
Whether you’re a musician, dancer, or enthusiastic supporter, there’s never been a better time to get involved with Ards CCÉ.Join our classes, attend our events, or volunteer your skills as we prepare to welcome the world to Belfast for Fleadh 2026.
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