Fleadh Cheoil: Belfast to host Irish music festival in 2026
At the 2024 All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford, more than 500,000 people visited and more than 1,500 people took part.
The 2025 event is scheduled to take place between 3 -10 August in Wexford.
Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, the director general of CCÉ, told BBC News NI he has "been looking forward to this for many years".
"It is the Olympics of culture and friendship, and with Comhaltas organised across 22 countries worldwide, I believe this will be one of the greatest gatherings of all time."
He predicts about 800,000 people will flock to Belfast for the festival, including 20,000 performers that will come from all over Ireland and other parts of the world.
"The biggest benefit will be the legacy that it leaves behind, our experience over the last 74 years has been that a whole new cohort of young people take an interest in the music," he said.
"Belfast is a magnificent city, the venues here, I don't think we get them anywhere else in the country."
The first minister said she is excited to "welcome the world" to Belfast in 2026 for the event.
"This is a magnificent opportunity to showcase our culture, traditions and our warmth while providing a huge boost to our local economy," she said in a video posted to social media platform X.
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The chairperson of Ards CCÉ has described the announcement as a "historic day for Belfast" and a "historic day for the north".
Niall McClean said Belfast is the ideal city to host.
"For the event, this city has got everything; the venues are incredible, and the streets will be buzzing with music."
Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr Micky Murray said he is "delighted" the event will be held in Belfast.
Belfast City Council is "committed to bringing major events to the city", he said.
"We know from past experience the huge social and economic benefits that they can bring, not just to our city centre, but to local communities also."
He added that the event will be a "massive boost" for the hospitality and retail sectors.
"Whether your a fan of live traditional music already, or its all new to you, there will be something for everyone to enjoy."
Martina Connolly, chief executive of Belfast ONE Business Improvement District, which represents over 700 businesses in the city, said the announcement is a "historic and hugely exciting moment".
"The Fleadh will deliver an economic boost worth tens of millions of pounds and is a huge opportunity for local businesses, from hospitality and retail to arts and culture," she said.
"The week-long event will also showcase Belfast as a vibrant, welcoming, and world-class destination."
Fleadh Cheoil is an annual Irish arts festival and competition run by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann - the society of the musicians of Ireland.
The organisation was founded in 1951 by traditional musicians and Gaelic culture advocates from across Ireland.
They sought to enhance traditional Irish music, dance and language in Ireland.
Each year Comhaltas hosts numerous fleadhanna (festivals) across the island at county and provincial level.
In oversea regions where fleadhanna are also held they are sometimes known as "Féilte".
The best-known of these festivals is Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, often simply known as the Fleadh.
