Belfast bids to host Fleadh for a third successive year in 2028

Belfast City Council is preparing a bid to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2028, seeking a third successive year after August’s festival recorded 1.65 million city centre visits. Councillors were told work was under way during a closed committee session on Friday 23 October, Belfast Live reports.

Belfast’s hosting of the 2026 and 2027 festivals was announced in March. The latest move follows an SDLP proposal in August to seek another year.

Economic impact expected to exceed £53 million

Footfall cameras counted the visits across eight days, recording more than twice the number council officials had expected. The final economic assessment is still pending, but Belfast Live reports that the impact is expected to substantially exceed the initial £53 million estimate.

The festival brought together more than 5,000 competitors representing 22 countries for over 200 All-Ireland competitions. Its programme also included 438 official events and 107 Gig Rig acts, with 90 venues taking part.

Contributions came from loyalist, Ulster-Scots and ethnic minority communities.

Other towns have hosted three years running

There is precedent for a three-year run: Cavan hosted from 2010 to 2012, Clonmel from 1992 to 1994 and Sligo from 1989 to 1991. The Fleadh began in Mullingar, County Westmeath, in May 1951.

Speaking after the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meeting, Councillor Séamas de Faoite said the festival’s economic, cultural and social effects had exceeded expectations. He welcomed the decision to develop the bid after the SDLP raised it with the council’s chief executive.

De Faoite also said the party was exploring other major events for Belfast, including seeking to bring the MTV Europe Music Awards back to the city.

Source: Belfast Live