The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann held in Belfast over eight days generated an estimated £65 million for the local economy and attracted 1.65 million visitors to the city centre.

Nicola Brogan, Sinn Féin culture spokesperson, said the event created an atmosphere of inclusivity, safety and equality and gave Belfast a sense of optimism about the future.

She said she had spoken to people from Belfast, West Tyrone, across Ireland and further afield who told her the Fleadh was the best thing to ever happen to Belfast.

Brogan said the event showed what is possible when people come together in mutual respect and celebrate different traditions and identities, including performers from the unionist tradition and artists representing cultures from around the world.

She described the economic figures as hugely impressive and said the cultural and social impact was just as important.

Brogan thanked Belfast City Council, Ard-Mhéara Róis-Máire Donnelly, volunteers, workers, Executive Ministers, and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for their contributions.

The Fleadh will return in 2027, and Brogan called for building on this year's success.