Belfast to host All-Ireland Fleadh for second year running in 2027

The world's largest festival of Irish music and dance is set to take place in Belfast for the second year in a row.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann - the All-Ireland Fleadh - is held for a week during August and, in the past, has welcomed up to 600,000 visitors to the host town or city.

The event had already been confirmed for 2026 in Belfast and will run from 2 - 9 August.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann confirmed on Saturday that Belfast will again host the All-Ireland Fleadh in 2027 becoming the first location in Northern Ireland to host the cultural music festival twice.

Organisers also announced on Saturday more details about this year's event.

Sharon Shannon and her Big Band will headline the main stage on 2 August 2026.

Belfast City Council said other acts performing on the gig rig stage for the opening ceremony in 2026 will be award-winning group Goitse; former All-Ireland winners, Blackwater Ceili Band; and Belfast ensemble McPeake.

It added that it will also include "a range of school choirs, as well as cross-community and multi-cultural performances".

Deputy lord mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty, said it was a "tremendous honour" for Belfast to host the event again in 2027 and "underscores its status as the island's only Unesco City of Music".

"It allows us to build on 2026 and further strengthen Belfast's position as a vibrant, inclusive city that celebrates its rich cultural heritage," he added.

"The two-year staging will deliver substantial tourism and economic impact, supporting local businesses, hospitality providers and cultural organisations.

"The opportunity to welcome so many artists and visitors to our city is already bringing great excitement and will no doubt add to the atmosphere and energy of the week.

"We look forward to sharing everything Belfast has to offer and to celebrating together."

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE) praised the partnership with Belfast City Council and their host local branch, Ards CCÉ.

Its director-general, Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, said the decision to host the event in Belfast again in 2027 "reflects the scale of our ambition and the strength of our partnership with Belfast City Council".

"With world class stages in the Waterfront and Ulster Hall, Belfast is set to elevate the amazing performances and atmosphere of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to new heights.

"It's clear the warmth of welcome that awaits in Belfast will create a natural home for the event and we look forward to celebrating our 75th milestone year in the city."

Niall McClean, chairperson of Ards CCÉ said it is a "privilege to host the event in Belfast in both 2026 and 2027".

In 2013, Londonderry hosted the event, attracting an estimated 400,000 people and 20,000 performers.

Fleadh Cheoil is an annual Irish arts festival and competition run by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann - the society of the musicians of Ireland.

The organisation was founded in 1951 by traditional musicians and Gaelic culture advocates from across Ireland.

They sought to enhance traditional Irish music, dance and language in Ireland.

Each year CCE hosts numerous fleadhanna (festivals) across the island at county and provincial level.

In oversea regions where fleadhanna are also held they are sometimes known as "Féilte".

The best-known of these festivals is Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, often simply known as the Fleadh.