Belfast is preparing to make history as it hosts Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the very first time, with a spectacular Opening Ceremony taking place on Sunday 2 August at the Gig Rig in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
The opening celebration promises to be one of the highlights of the week-long festival, bringing together music, dance and culture in a vibrant showcase that reflects both the rich traditions of Irish music and Belfast’s diverse communities.
Set against the iconic backdrop of City Hall, the Gig Rig will come alive with cross-community performances, multicultural collaborations and world-class traditional music, creating an unforgettable welcome for visitors travelling from across Ireland and beyond.
One of the standout moments of the ceremony will see Ards CCÉ join forces with the South Asian Dance Academy, the Belfast Bands Forum, highland pipers and champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance lead Lauren Smyth. More than 100 children from primary and secondary schools across Belfast and North Down will also take to the stage as part of a special Schools Choir Project.
As the day continues, festival-goers can enjoy performances from some of the biggest names in traditional music, including Blackwater Céilí Band, the acclaimed folk group Goitse, the Shaer, Moss & Warnock Trio, before the evening concludes with a headline performance from legendary accordion player Sharon Shannon and her Big Band.
Whether you’re a lifelong traditional music enthusiast or discovering the Fleadh for the very first time, the Opening Ceremony offers the perfect opportunity to experience the atmosphere, talent and community spirit that make Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann one of Ireland’s most celebrated cultural events.
Opening Ceremony Schedule
- 12:00pm – Ards CCÉ Welcome & Multicultural Showcase
- 12:30pm – Official Opening Ceremony & VIP Speeches
- 1:40pm – Ards CCÉ Schools Performance
- 3:00pm – Ards CCÉ
- 4:00pm – Blackwater Céilí Band
- 5:00pm – Shaer, Moss & Warnock Trio
- 6:00pm – Goitse
- 8:00pm – Sharon Shannon & Big Band
Event Details
📍 Location: Gig Rig, Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square North, Belfast
📅 Date: Sunday 2 August 2026
🕧 Official opening: 12:30pm
With hundreds of performers, an exciting programme of live entertainment and a unique celebration of Irish culture, the Opening Ceremony is set to mark a memorable beginning to Belfast’s first-ever hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Read more: Translink advice ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, August 2 – 9 · What’s On in Belfast
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