9 August 2026
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has praised Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Belfast City Council for delivering a hugely successful Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, held in Belfast for the first time in the event’s history.
The Fleadh, which ran from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August, surpassed projections for attendance and looks set to deliver a significant economic and social boost for the city.
Speaking on the closing day, SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:
“Many Belfast residents have had to pinch themselves this week, as the Fleadh transformed the city. Music has been enjoyed in every nook and cranny, with derelict buildings coming alive and an electric atmosphere created by those who came to perform, participate or just soak it all in. It has been a special week, with a new , shared optimism about the future.
“I want to pay tribute to Comhaltas and Belfast City Council for delivering an ambitious, inclusive event to reflect the richness of culture across this island. It showcased our strong tradition of Irish music while also creating space for the many identities that make up our shared home.
“I also want to recognise the performers and bands from every background who embraced that opportunity and demonstrated that culture is not exclusive or to be feared. They’ve show that the best way to build understanding is through engagement and participation.
“Belfast is a city capable of hosting international cultural events with confidence, warmth and ambition. The opportunity is now to build on this success.
SDLP Belfast City Council Group Leader Séamas de Faoite said:
“The success of the Fleadh demonstrates the enormous potential of Belfast as a tourist and cultural destination – potential that we still have not fully realised.
“It has also provided a proof of concept for how we can do things differently in our city centre. We have seen what greater pedestrianisation can look like, how public transport can play a bigger role in moving large numbers of people around the city and the difference a more flexible licensing regime can make.
“The SDLP will be pushing these issues at Belfast City Council so that the lessons of this week translate into lasting improvements for our city. But many of the changes Belfast needs also require action from Stormont. We cannot allow outdated legislation or political inertia to become an obstacle to Belfast fulfilling its potential.
“The Fleadh has shown what Belfast can achieve when we are ambitious for our city. It is important that the learning of this event is reflected going forward to next years’ event, with it set to return in 2027, and with 30 years of the Good Friday Agreement in 2028, we will be making the case for hosting the event for a third year to mark this important anniversary in a positive and inclusive way.”