10 August 2026
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann came to a close at Belfast City Hall late yesterday evening with a rousing performance from the Lissadel Céilí Band, this year’s winners of the Senior Céilí Band competition.
Audiences watched on as the band, whose members hail from Sligo, Mayo, Cavan, Westmeath and Tipperary, brought eight days of music, colour and friendship at the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture to an end.
Earlier, Campbell College Bugles, Pipes and Drums took to the stage, followed by Each Time the Song is Sung, a multi-cultural showcase from host branch Ards CCÉ, and performances from Zoë Conway, John McIntyre, Louise Mulcahy, Michelle Mulcahy and Edwina Guckian.
Speeches from Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Attracta Ní Bhradaigh, Uachtarán, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Dr Labhrás O Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Niall McClean from Ards CCÉ and John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council and Co-chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee, rounded off the evening’s bill.
This year’s Fleadh – held in Belfast for the first time – attracted record footfall, with final figures expected to top 1 million, making it the best attended Fleadh ever. The festival will return to the city from 1-8 August 2027, hosted once again by Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.