WellFest Northern Ireland 2026 Unveils First Wave Line-Up Led by Local Fitness & Wellness Stars Rhys McClenaghan, Maeve Madden & Owen O’Kane
With international headliners to be announced in 2026, the first-look line-up also features yoga expert Dr Rebekah Jade, Paralympic champion Ellen Keane, former Gladiator contestant Glenn Wilkinson, fitness trainer Kathryn McKinstry and many more, as Europe’s largest outdoor fitness and wellness festival comes to Belfast next September
WellFest, Ireland and Europe’s largest outdoor fitness and wellness festival, has announced its first wave of acts as the festival expands to Belfast.
Belfast will host the brand-new weekend festival in Ormeau Park in September 2026, bringing the full WellFest experience to Northern Irish audiences for the first time.
Leading the line-up for WellFest NI is Newry native Maeve Madden and Olympic and world champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan from Newtownards, bringing a powerful sports angle to the festival stage.
They will be joined by Owen O’Kane, Belfast-born therapist to Lewis Capaldi and bestselling psychotherapist, offering inspiring talks on mental health and resilience, and Dr Rebekah Jade, yoga and breathwork expert, who has previously taught yoga to the England women’s football team. Ellen Keane, Irish Paralympic swimmer and gold medallist, also joins the bill, championing homegrown voices to both Wellfest NI and WellFest Ireland.
This first wave of acts sets the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable debut for WellFest in Northern Ireland, with an exciting line-up of international names and further programme announcements to come in 2026.
Sarah King, proud member of the WellFest team, said:
"As a Belfast native, launching WellFest in the city with such a strong first wave line-up of local heroes feels incredibly special. These voices represent the strength, inclusivity and energy of our wellness community here in Northern Ireland. With international headliners to follow in 2026, this first-look announcement is all about celebrating homegrown talent, showcasing the breadth of the festival programming, from yoga and fitness to inspiring talks, family activities and more. We’re inviting everyone to be part of a landmark year for WellFest."
Other local regional talent announced for WellFest Belfast includes former Gladiator contestant and now strength coach Glenn Wilkinson, fitness trainer Kathryn McKinstry, registered dietitian and sports nutritionistCáoileánn Conway, breathwork therapist Carla McGreevy, power-posing workouts with House of Voga, the Kilted Yogi Finlay Thomas Wilson and Traitors Ireland winner and footballer Vanessa Ogbonna, with many acts more to be announced.
The Belfast WellFest event follows the flagship two-day Dublin event at IMMA, Royal Hospital Kilmainham in May, and marks a major milestone as the festival celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
WellFest NI ticket sale begins, available via WellFestNI.com
WellFest All-Ireland Ticket Upgrades are also available.
WellFest NI general release starts Monday December 1st.