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Celebrations taking place to mark the end of the Fleadh

The final day of the Fleadh will be packed with performances across the city Musical processions are making their way from east and west Belfast towards the city centre as the largest celebration of Irish music and culture in the world, the All-Ireland Fleadh, marks its final day. This was the first time Belfast had […]

By deepak · August 9, 2026 · 2 min read

The final day of the Fleadh will be packed with performances across the city

Musical processions are making their way from east and west Belfast towards the city centre as the largest celebration of Irish music and culture in the world, the All-Ireland Fleadh, marks its final day.

This was the first time Belfast had hosted the event and is only the second time it has been held in Northern Ireland, having been hosted in Londonderry in 2013.

It is thought this year could end up being the biggest Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann ever, with visitor numbers expected to exceed one million over the course of the festival.

More than 200 events have taken place across the city in the past week, alongside competitions, concerts and street performances.

Musicians and music fans gathered at An ChultĂșrlann on the Falls Road in west Belfast and on the Beersbridge Road in east Belfast at 13:00 BST to make their way to the city centre.

The processions are stopping along the way to invite people to bid a fond farewell to the Fleadh until it returns to Belfast next year.

Performances for the final day of the Fleadh are also underway at Belfast City Hall.

Áirdan kicked off celebrations on the Gig Rig outdoor stage at City Hall, with the Shankill Road Defenders Flute Band, Celtic Roots and Foy Vance performing later.

The closing ceremony will begin at 18:00 BST, kicking off with a performance from singer-songwriter and harpist Niamh Noade, and it will close at midnight with a performance from the winners of the Senior Céilí Band Competition.

More information can be found here., external

The final day of judging began at 10:00 at the ICC/Belfast Waterfront Hall, the Assembly Buildings, The Mac and Ulster University.

The judging will finish with the senior céilí bands competition at the ICC/Belfast Waterfront Hall at 17:30.

The winning senior céilí band will then take to the Gig Rig as the finale performance for the 2026 Fleadh.

Aside from the performances at City Hall on Sunday, a range of activities are taking place across the city centre.

Source: Read the original article on www.bbc.co.uk