The Northern Ireland capital is hosting the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture for the first time this week.

Stormont’s First and deputy First Ministers also addressed the hundreds at Belfast City Hall to open the world’s largest celebration of Irish music.

The Snow Patrol frontman said that despite travelling the world playing music, he has always felt the call back to Northern Ireland.

The Snow Patrol frontman said that despite travelling the world playing music, he has always felt the call back to Northern Ireland.

More than 200 events and 180 traditional music competitions are taking place.

The project will launch with performances by 50 young people at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on 3rd August at Belfast City Hall. 

The project will launch with performances by 50 young people at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on 3rd August at Belfast City Hall. 

Business owner Richard Evans wrote an open letter to Belfast City Council urging action

The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 will take place in Belfast next month for the first time.

The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 will take place in Belfast next month for the first time.

The busiest month is likely to fall in August, with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann being hosted in the city for the first time.

A stone’s throw from where the famous Titanic was built, they met organisers and performers who will entertain thousands of people this August.

The world’s biggest Irish music and culture festival and competition will be held in Northern Ireland for only the second time in 2026.

The celebration of Irish music and culture has been held across Ireland every year since 1951.

Wexford is the birthplace of the Guinness World Records