Belfast to provide BIG finish for a fabulous Fleadh TODAY

As the instruments are tuned up for the final day of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, Belfast stands as a city transformed. Over the past nine days, this historic maritime capital has welcomed more than one million visitors, becoming the undisputed global epicentre of Irish traditional arts. Today, Sunday, August 9th, marks the spectacular culmination of a festival that has shattered attendance records and demonstrated the unifying power of music across communities. From the hallowed stage of the Waterfront Hall to the electric atmosphere of the City Hall Gig Rig, the closing programme promises a day of unforgettable performances, emotional farewells, and the crowning of this year’s champions. With the coveted Senior Céilí Band title still to be decided and a galaxy of stars, from Bangor’s own Foy Vance to the legendary Andy Irvine, set to grace the stages, Belfast bids adieu to the Fleadh in truly spectacular style.

The City Hall Gig Rig (11:00 AM – 11:00 PM)

The heart of the Fleadh beats its final rhythm at Belfast City Hall with a full day of free, open-air performances

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Àirdan – The final day’s programming kicks off with high-energy traditional tunes from this rising Donegal-based ensemble
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Glinnte Aontroma CCÉ – County Antrim’s finest young musicians showcase their talents
12:15 PM – 12:55 PM: Seoid – Vibrant traditional set from this acclaimed group, blending sean-nós singing with dynamic instrumentation
12:55 PM – 1:30 PM: Alltacht – Genre-defying fusion of traditional Irish music with contemporary influences
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Comhaltas Sydney & Amaidí – An international double-bill featuring the Australian contingent alongside the mischievous trio Amaidí
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM: Shankill Road Defenders Flute Band – Powerful Ulster flute band tradition takes centre stage
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Celtic Roots – Celebrated folk group delivering beloved standards and fresh arrangements
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Miscellaneous Band Performances – Featuring Accordion, Flute, and Pipe bands from across Ireland
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Evening Warm-Up – Street sessions and impromptu performances building anticipation

6:00 PM: Official closing ceremony begins

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Niamh Noade – Award-winning harpist opens the ceremony with ethereal, spellbinding music
6:45 PM – 7:45 PM: Foy Vance – Special pop-up headline performance from the Bangor-born international singer-songwriter, signed to Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records
7:45 PM – 8:30 PM: The Bow Brothers – Acclaimed traditional group with a contemporary edge
8:30 PM – 9:15 PM: Knockmore Céilí Band – Celebrated Sligo ensemble, known for driving rhythms and impeccable ensemble playing
9:15 PM – 9:45 PM: Campbell College Bugles, Pipes & Drums – Grand orchestral display from one of Belfast’s premier pipe bands
9:45 PM – 10:30 PM: The Mulcahy Family & Edwina Guckian – Masters of traditional music and dance unite for a breath-taking showcase
10:30 PM – 11:00 PM: SENIOR CÉILÍ BAND WINNERS FINALE – The freshly crowned 2026 All-Ireland champions travel straight from Waterfront Hall victory to deliver the ultimate encore performance, closing the festival in triumphant style

All-Ireland Competitions

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Winners’ Area Presentations – Newly crowned All-Ireland solo, duet, and trio champions receive their trophies: ICC Belfast
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Céilí Bands (Under-12s) Final – The youngest competitors showcase remarkable talent: Ulster University, Belfast Campus
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Marching Bands Competitions – Accordion, Flute, Miscellaneous, and Pipe bands compete for All-Ireland honours: Designated venues across city centre
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM: SENIOR CÉILÍ BAND COMPETITION – The pinnacle event of the entire Fleadh, contested by the finest ensembles from Ireland and the global diaspora: Waterfront Hall (Ticketed – premium entry)

Following their victory, the newly crowned Senior Céilí Band champions will process through the city centre to the City Hall Gig Rig for the 10:30 PM final performance.

Ticketed & Special Concerts

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Aifreann na Fleidhe (Fleadh Mass): St. Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street: Traditional Mass directed by Patrick Davey, featuring singer Róisín Ní Mhurchú. Broadcast live nationwide on Raidió na Gaeltachta. Free entry
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Senior Céilí Band Competition: Waterfront Hall: The most hotly contested event of the festival. Strict ticketing/entry wristbands required. The ultimate test of ensemble musicianship
9:30 PM – 11:00 PM: Fleadh26 Live TV Show (TG4 Broadcast): TG4 Village, Castle Street: High-profile studio recording featuring The Bow Brothers, Andy Irvine, Joshua Burnside, Karan Casey, Niall Vallely, and others. Free but strictly ticketed – standing room only, doors close at 9:10 PM

The Kilfenora Céilí Band and Blackwater Céilí Band concerts, originally scheduled at the Ulster Hall and Europa Hotel respectively, have been incorporated into the Gig Rig closing programme and the TG4 broadcast. Please check venue noticeboards for any last-minute changes.

Special Broadcasts & Afternoon Recitals

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: TG4 Live Competition Streams: TradTG4 YouTube Channel: Presented by multi-instrumentalist Freda Nic Giolla Chatháin. Live coverage of Under-12 Céilí Bands and afternoon competitions
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta: Live Radio Broadcast: Aifreann an Domhnaigh (Fleadh Mass) broadcast live from St. Patrick’s Church
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: RTÉ Multi-Platform Coverage: RTÉ One, RTÉ Player, RTÉ Radio 1: Live interviews, music sessions, and highlights from RTÉ stage at Writer’s Square, Ulster University, and Gig Rig
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Afternoon Harp Recitals: St. Anne’s Cathedral: Showcase celebrating the historic Edward Bunting collection of Irish harp music
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Aidan Mulholland and Friends: 2 Royal Avenue: Special recital celebrating the resilience of the renowned Belfast fiddle player and violin maker, whose workshop was tragically destroyed by fire in 2022
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Cora – Singer-Songwriter Set: 2 Royal Avenue: Evocative performance in English, Irish, and Portuguese
9:30 PM – 11:00 PM: TG4 Fleadh26 Live Show: TG4 TV & TG4 Player Worldwide: Hosted by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Peadar Ó Goill, and Gráinne McElwain. Final nightly highlights programme featuring outstanding music sessions, guest artists, and newly crowned champions. Available globally via TG4 Player and catch-up services

Live Competition Streams

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Céilí Bands (Under-12s) Competition: TradTG4 YouTube Channel / Comhaltas Website
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Marching Bands (Accordion, Flute, Miscellaneous, Pipe): TradTG4 YouTube Channel / Comhaltas Website
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM: SENIOR CÉILÍ BANDS COMPETITION (Flagship Broadcast): TradTG4 YouTube Channel / Comhaltas Website / TG4 Player

Additional Coverage:

Social Media Highlights: Street performance clips and short highlights posted throughout the day on TradTG4 TikTok and Instagram channels
Catch-Up Service: All streams available for re-watch shortly after broadcast on TG4 Player and Comhaltas Archive

Cultural Events & Fringe Festival

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Super Sunday Session: St. Comgall’s, Falls Road: Morning community gathering packed with arts, crafts, and music activities for all ages
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Farewell Music Trails: East & West Belfast to City Centre: Spontaneous and planned musical processions merging towards the city centre
All Day: Neighbourhood Sessions: South Belfast community gardens & alleyways: Intimate traditional music trails weaving through residential areas
All Day: The Wee Céilí: Wildflower Alley, College Park Avenue: Vibrant street dancing pop-up – join the set!
All Day: Steps to the Fleadh: St. Joseph’s Parish Hall, Carryduff: Beginner-friendly traditional Irish set dancing workshop
All Day: The Light of Other Days Exhibition: 2 Royal Avenue: Historical multimedia exhibition profiling legendary traditional musicians throughout history
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM: Belfast Cathedral Village: Adjacent to St. Anne’s Cathedral: Extensive food truck hub with artisan producers and street performers
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Craic & Craft Market: ICC Belfast: Featuring 45 regional artisan food producers alongside child-friendly games and activities
1:00 PM: Musical Farewell Procession: City Centre: Multi-community music trails merging from East and West Belfast to bid farewell to the festival

From the triumphant champions to the countless volunteers, from the international visitors to the local families who opened their homes, this has been a Fleadh for the ages. Belfast has proven itself not merely as a host city, but as a home for Irish culture. Slán go fóill, agus go raibh míle maith agaibh, until we meet again.