Belfast’s first hosting of the All-Ireland Fleadh draws to a close on Sunday after a week that saw more than one million visitors and an economic impact projected to exceed £53m.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said the festival was expected to surpass that figure. Footfall cameras operated by Belfast One Business Improvement District recorded 900,020 visitors in the city centre up to Thursday, and CEO Martina Connolly said numbers were on course to pass one million by the end of Friday.

The Fleadh, the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture, featured over 200 events including competitions, concerts, street performances and workshops. More than 5,000 musicians and dancers from 22 countries competed across 180 categories.

The final day includes musical processions from east and west Belfast at 1pm. Participants will gather at An Chultúrlann on the Falls Road and Audacity Café on the Beersbridge Road before making their way to the city centre.

Judging in competitions continues, with the Senior Céilí Bands contest at the ICC/Belfast Waterfront Hall at 5.30pm. The winning band will perform on the Gig Rig outdoor stage at City Hall as the closing act around midnight.

The Gig Rig line-up also features Áirdan, the Shankill Road Defenders Flute Band, Celtic Roots, Foy Vance and the Knockmore Céilí Band. The closing ceremony begins at 18:00 BST with a performance by singer-songwriter Niamh Noade.

Park and ride facilities at Eikon Exhibition Centre, Giant’s Park and Belfast Harbour Estate remain available, with shuttle buses running until 2am. A free city centre loop service is operating for those with mobility issues, and taxi pick-up points are designated around the pedestrianised event zone.