The dancers will converge on Belfast's Waterfront Hall

More than 4,000 dancers are expected to take part in 35 different events at the Waterfront Hall from 4 to 11 April.

Competitors are due to travel from as far away as the US, Australia and South Africa, with more than 55% coming from outside the island of Ireland.

To earn the right to dance in the competition, entrants first had to come through 28 international qualifying events.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Martin Morgan said on Tuesday that the last time the championships were held in Belfast in 2000, it was the biggest tournament to date.

"We are looking forward to repeating that success, by hosting a competition that is bigger and better than ever before," he said.