Belfast applying to host Fleadh for third year in a row
Belfast Council is applying to host the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for a third year in a row, in 2028.
The first ever Fleadh in Belfast was a huge success last August, dwarfing expectations and breaking records as not only the biggest ever celebration of the event, but also the biggest festival to ever hit the city.
It was publicly announced in March that Belfast would host the event in 2026 and 2027.
Now it has been confirmed that Belfast City Council will apply for a third year in a row, to host the celebration in 2028.
At a restricted committee session away from the public and press on Friday October 23, elected representatives at City Hall learned that work was underway by officials to make the 2028 bid, following a proposal from the SDLP in August.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann started in May 1951 in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland. A number of towns have hosted the Fleadh three years in a row, including Cavan town from 2010 to 2012, Clonmel from 1992 to 1994 and Sligo town from 1989 to 1991.
The Belfast event saw the festival reach new heights. City centre footfall cameras recorded 1.65 million visits over the eight-day festival, more than double the expected numbers from officials at City Hall. The overall economic results are still not in but the event will greatly exceed its initial £53 million economic impact estimate.
Over 5,000 competitors from 22 countries took part in more than 200 All-Ireland competitions, alongside 438 official events, 107 Gig Rig acts, and 90 participating venues. Many hailed the inclusive atmosphere of the festival, which featured contributions from loyalist, Ulster-Scots, and ethnic minority communities.
Belfast Councillor Séamas de Faoite said after the meeting of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee: “The Fleadh showed Belfast at its very best. It gave us a glimpse of the future we are building together, a Belfast where people come together in huge numbers to celebrate our culture, and the promise of possibility.
“The economic, cultural and social impact of the Fleadh exceeded all expectations. It transformed Belfast for a fortnight, packed our streets and venues, showcased the richness of our cultural life and attracted 1.6million visitors to the city.
“That is why the SDLP formally suggested to the council Chief Executive back in August that Belfast should pursue a bid for a third year. We welcome the decision to take that work forward and look forward to seeing a strong bid developed.
“Alongside pursuing another year of the Fleadh, we are actively exploring opportunities to attract other landmark events to Belfast, including making the case for the return of the MTV Europe Music Awards.”