Volunteers Sought for 2026 Fleadh in Belfast

Belfast City Council is on the hunt for volunteers to help deliver Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the city in 2026, with organisers calling on locals to be part of what promises to be the biggest cultural event the city has ever seen. The world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture will make history when the fleadh comes to Belfast for the first time from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August next year.

Organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in partnership with Belfast City Council and Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the Fleadh will feature an eight-day programme of concerts, competitions, street performances and exhibitions. Belfast's successful bid was announced in March 2025, marking the culmination of several years of work between the council, Ards CCÉ and Comhaltas. All partners are committed to ensuring that Belfast, Comhaltas and Northern Ireland benefit from the legacy of delivering a successful Fleadh.

The journey to the festival begins with county and provincial rounds held in Ireland, Britain, Japan and the USA. The Fleadh was most recently hosted in Wexford in 2024 and again in 2025, and now it's Belfast's turn to welcome the crowds.

A range of volunteering roles will be available including street ambassadors, team leaders and customer services. Volunteer Now, the leading voice of volunteering in Northern Ireland, has opened recruitment for the momentous event and will be providing extensive training to successful applicants beginning in early 2026.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, emphasised the importance of volunteers to the event's success. "Belfast thrives on the warmth of its welcome. With over 700,000 people set to experience the Fleadh in Belfast next year, our people will be instrumental in helping the city capitalise on its massive economic benefit, particularly from a tourism perspective," she said. "Volunteers will be crucial in delivering one of the most exciting cultural events our city has ever hosted so we're inviting everyone to play their part by showcasing our famous hospitality."

Denise Hayward, CEO of Volunteer Now, highlighted the organisation's track record in recruiting volunteers for major events such as the 153rd Open and Balmoral Show. "The Fleadh always brings such an exhilarating energy with it and its arrival in Belfast will mark an exciting moment for the city and beyond," she said. "Thanks to their commitment, energy, professionalism and fun, volunteers make events like Fleadh smooth, safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. We will be providing extensive training to successful volunteer applicants to ensure they have a wholly positive and memorable experience as a volunteer."

She added that volunteers would get to enjoy the incredible spirit of the Fleadh up close and see first-hand how the city comes to life through music, dance and culture. "We would encourage anyone interested in volunteering to apply early, as we anticipate demand for these roles will be high. We can't wait to celebrate this special moment together in Belfast next August and hope many people apply to be at the very heart of it."

Niall McClean from Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann expressed his excitement about the partnership. "We're so excited to be partnering with Belfast City Council and Comhaltas as host branch for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. It means so much to our members, young and old, to be part of the Fleadh coming to Belfast," he said. "We hope everyone who volunteers will feel that same sense of pride. It's a particularly special year for us as we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2026. With Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann celebrating their 75th year, we can't wait to be part of something very special."

With interest expected to be high, anyone keen to get involved is being advised to apply before the end of this year. Further details of the Fleadh programme for Belfast will be announced in due course on the Fleadh Cheoil website.

To find out more and apply, visit www.volunteernow.co.uk