People planning to travel from Armagh to Belfast for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann are being urged to plan ahead, arrive early and allow plenty of time for their journey as organisers expect crowds to reach 800,000 over the course of the week.
Visit Belfast says the city is preparing for a major increase in visitors ahead of the weekend. The programme includes traditional music performances, sessions, cafés, restaurants, attractions and hospitality venues across Belfast.
The event is being described as a once-in-a-generation celebration, with large crowds already reported in the city. Gerry Lennon, chief executive of Visit Belfast, said Belfast One BID estimated that 175,000 people attended on Sunday and 150,000 on Monday.
“They say that a good start is half the battle, but the fleadh in Belfast has been just exceptional.”
Mr Lennon said organisers were confident the projected total of 800,000 visitors would be reached as the event moved towards the weekend. He also described the Fleadh as a major moment for Belfast and encouraged people considering a visit to be part of it.
“This is a phenomenal event. I've been part of marketing Belfast for 26 years across various major events but there has been nothing like this.”
What visitors can expect in Belfast
Musicians and dancers from around the world are competing in the All-Ireland Fleadh music competition. Competitors from Ireland qualify through county and provincial Fleadhs before earning a place in the event.
Competitions include solo performances on instruments such as fiddle, button accordion, uilleann pipes, Irish harp and banjo. There are also contests for céilí bands, grupaí cheoil, accordion bands and pipe bands.
Participants are travelling from as far afield as the United States, Australia, Dubai and Japan. Alongside the formal competitions, the event’s sessions are taking place in pubs, restaurants, hotels and on streets throughout the city, with musicians of all abilities invited to take part.
In central Belfast, the Gig Rig at City Hall is hosting large outdoor performances featuring headline acts, established bands and emerging talent. A fringe programme adds dance, visual art, workshops, talks and storytelling to the festival schedule.
Advice for people making the journey
Visit Belfast’s advice is straightforward: visitors should set off with extra time in hand and arrive early so they can make the most of the event. The warning is particularly relevant as attendance is expected to rise further before the weekend.
“Our advice to anyone coming is to get here early. Allow a lot of time for travel but please don't miss this unique event,” Mr Lennon said.
Full information is available through visitbelfast.com.
