Belfast is readying for its first turn as host of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture, from 2 to 9 August. Organisers anticipate more than 800,000 people will descend on the city for competitions, concerts and community events.

A dedicated Irish Language Hub will operate at the MAC throughout the week, offering free daily taster classes delivered by Ulster University. The space will also include a conversational ‘tea and conversation’ area, a family room, traditional music sessions, arts workshops and film screenings. Irish-language films such as Mise Éire, Róise & Frank and An Cailín Ciúin are scheduled. Talks and discussions with universities and cultural groups will explore language, heritage and identity, and Professor Fionntán de Brún will lead a history walk on the Irish language in Belfast.

Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly stated the hub is designed to be welcoming for fluent speakers, learners and those new to the language, and that the Fleadh offers a significant opportunity to celebrate Irish as a living part of the city’s shared heritage.

Ulster-Scots language and traditions will be featured at the Corn Exchange, while major stage performances such as Sharing Traditions, the Ulster Bands showcase and Connections will bring together artists from different cultural backgrounds. More than 90 neighbourhood fringe events are also planned, with fringe events getting underway on 17 July with Gaelic song at Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, followed by live music on 18 July and a family gathering on 19 July.

A Food and Drink Village will be set up beside Belfast Cathedral, operated by Market Place Europe, showcasing local traders, producers and growers. St George’s Market will extend its hours throughout the week, and the ICC Belfast/Waterfront Hall site will host a Craic and Craft Market with street food and live music. Additional food offerings include a Titanic Quarter Night Market and Titanic Food Festival along the Maritime Mile.

Councillor Joe Duffy, chair of the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said the Fleadh is a chance to highlight the city’s vibrant food and drink scene and the personal stories behind independent businesses. He noted that business and tourism teams have been helping local producers connect with new audiences.

Late-night bus services have been confirmed to help visitors explore restaurants, cafes and bars across Belfast. Temporary bilingual signage and festival dressing will aid navigation as the city is transformed for the event.