The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, has issued a statement of support after the confirmation that Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2026.
The latest breakthrough bid by Belfast City Council, was in conjunction with Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, a cross-community non profit organisation promoting and fostering Irish traditional music, song and dance in the Ards area. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann means the “Society of the Musicians of Ireland” and is the leading organisation dedicated to promoting the music, songs and dance of Ireland.
One of the biggest festivals of traditional Irish culture in the world, the Fleadh Cheoil attracts many tens of thousands of international visitors. In its 60 year history the festival has only been held once in Northern Ireland, in Derry in 2013.
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Ards and North Down Mayor, DUP Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said: “Ards and North Down Borough Council welcomes the news that Belfast has been chosen as the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2026. The council was pleased to have provided a letter of support for Belfast’s bid to host the event and we are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to Ards and North Down throughout the festival.
“Around half a million visitors are expected to attend what is the world’s largest annual festival of Irish music, song and dance. Demand for accommodation will be high and those attending the festival are welcome to stay in Ards and North Down.
“Not only can we offer a range of suitable accommodation combined with good transport links to Belfast but visitors also have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our Borough and its 115 miles of stunning coastline during their stay, not to mention many hidden gems, delicious eateries and more.
“Ards and North Down has previously hosted the Ulster Fleadh and just last year, I hosted a reception for Ards CCE after they secured four gold medals during the All Ireland Fleadh. I am sure our local group will be aiming for even more success in Belfast next year. I would like to wish all those involved the very best of luck.”
In 2023 Belfast was yet again unsuccessful in its bid for the Fleadh Cheoil, losing out to Wexford for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024. The year before Belfast lost out to Mullingar in County Westmeath.
In the council report for the 2023 bid officials noted that failings of the Belfast bid included not using enough Irish language in the submission, not engaging enough with voting members and attending enough fleadhs, and insufficient disabled access.
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