Belfast City Hall - Gig Rig

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 – Opening Day Gig Rig Expect lively entertainment, stirring performances and contemporary collaborations as Belfast welcomes Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to the city for the first time. With Belfast City Hall as its impressive backdrop, the main Gig Rig stage will be at the heart of the opening day's celebrations. Cross-community and multicultural performances will set the tone for a week of music, culture and multi-generational celebration across the city. Join musicians, dancers and performers as they welcome visitors from across Ireland and around the world for a special showcase of the very best in traditional music, song and dance. The opening event of Fleadh 2026 will feature a special collaborative performance from host branch Ards CCÉ, the South Asian Dance Academy and Belfast Bands Forum, alongside an array of Highland pipers and champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance lead Lauren Smyth. The impressive outdoor stage will also welcome more than 100 children from primary and secondary schools across North Down and Belfast as part of a special Schools Choir Project. The energy builds into the evening with performances from the Blackwater Céilí Band, Shaer, Moss & Warnock Trio and Goitse, before legendary accordion virtuoso Sharon Shannon and her Big Band bring the opening day's Gig Rig programme to a spectacular close. Whether you're a lifelong fan of traditional music or experiencing the Fleadh for the first time, join us in the heart of Belfast for a landmark moment for the city and for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Tickets for the accessible viewing area can be booked here. Event Schedule 12:00 — Ards CCÉ Welcoming Set & Multicultural Showcase 12:30 — Speeches & Official Opening VIPs 13:40 — Ards CCÉ Schools Performance 14:00 — Hothouse Flowers 14:40 — Annalise Whyte 15:00 — Ards CCÉ 16:00 — Blackwater Céilí Band 17:20 — Shaer, Moss & Warnock Trio 18:40 — Goitse 20:00 — Sharon Shannon

Something amazing happens when Hothouse Flowers step onto the stage – something that has been shaped by over forty years of singing and playing all over the world, yet no two shows have ever been the same! There is a sense of musical adventure, an impulse to reach new heights and depths in music where the unspoken aim is that the band and the audience become one and the world becomes a different place for a while. There is an unpredictable energy in the band that harkens back to their "Risk" days playing on the dancefloors of Dublin's late-night clubs. They call upon their grand repertoire to create a show that is unique to the time and place. Improvisation can come at any point and allow the band express their brightest and their darkest influences. "Rock and Roll is not about safety or politeness, it is not about perfection either. It is expression and it is spirit." Humour is also never far from a Hothouse Flowers night. They do not take themselves seriously however, there is no mistaking the musical integrity among them as they open up to each other in musical dialogue. Fiachna, Liam and Peter are traditional musicians. This allows for moments of ancestral connection. From a Doors-like musical workout one minute, to an earnest and timeless offering to the memory of Currachaí na Tra Báine the next. A song inherited by Fiachna describing the blow inflicted upon a community and a family due to drowning. This moment and moments like these set the Flowers apart from almost any other band of their time and trade. They are carriers of culture and all of what that entails. Hothouse Flowers are a rock n'roll band, Hothouse Flowers are a traditional band, Hothouse Flowers are a soul band.. Hothouse Flowers are a jam band… Despite the bands lengthy career which is now into its fifth decade there is a sense of unfinished business. Every night they want to play the best gig they have ever played and take the musical risks that can maybe make that possible. There are still songs to be written and emotions to share. Whether its in a tiny club, an arena or in a festival field there is a sense that the best is yet to come. In 2024 they released their acclaimed RTE Documentary – Hothouse Flowers: Stick Around And Laugh A While on RTÉ One TV to rave reviews and set off on a sell out Irish Tour. In 2025 Hothouse Flowers embarked on two sell out UK Tours including a Saturday night headline slot at the Acoustic Stage In Glastonbury, a sold out Irish Tour and the band are imminently taking off on their first Australian and New Zealand excursion in 20 years in February 2026 which is selling fast! Stick Around And Laugh A While! Indeed!

Annalise Whyte is a C♯/D button accordion player from Armagh. Now based in Limerick, she has recently completed her degree in Irish Music at the University of Limerick. Annalise has performed across Ireland and internationally, with tours and concerts in Dubai, Morocco, Cyprus, Italy,Austria and Luxembourg to name a few. Alongside her performing career, she continues to develop her music through performing, teaching, and collaborating with other traditional musicians in Ireland. She has recently finished recording her debut solo album which will be released later this year. She will be joined on Sunday 2nd August with Simon Crehan(guitar) Conor Broderick(keys) and Shay Sweeney(drums).

Gig Rig Daytime Programme Monday 3 August | Belfast City Hall The Fleadh's Gig Rig Daytime Programme brings the energy and atmosphere of the Fleadh right into the heart of Belfast city centre. Set against the iconic backdrop of Belfast City Hall, this free outdoor concert series showcases an exciting mix of national and international performers, featuring traditional music, song, dance, céilí bands and large ensembles. Throughout the week, audiences can enjoy performances from Comhaltas branches and visiting artists from across Ireland and around the world, alongside youth orchestras, community collaborations and outstanding local talent. With a packed programme running daily, the Gig Rig offers a welcoming and accessible way for everyone to experience the richness, creativity and infectious spirit of Ireland's living traditional arts. From 6pm on Monday 3 August, the Gig Rig moves into its evening programme with Aisling School of Irish Dance, Ronan McEvoy, Flute Church Band Portadown, Filidh and Ballynacargy CCÉ, before Auris – Luke Savage takes to the stage at 9pm. Auris serves up a distinctive fusion of traditional music, jazz, funk and contemporary sounds. Their sound starts with a rich foundation of jigs and reels from the low whistle, before adding funky basslines and groovy beats. Jazzy keyboard lines enter the mix, finished with a generous helping of saxophone improvisation and electric guitar. The result is an energetic, genre-blending take on traditional music built to get the Gig Rig dancing. Event Schedule 12:00 — Innova Irish Dance Company 12:45 — Creative Tradition/Club Ceoil 13:30 — Àirdan 14:10 — Acadamh Ceol – CCÉ Craobh Doire 14:45 — Athy CCÉ 15:25 — Dublin County Board 16:05 — Dunloy CCÉ 16:45 — Craobh Seán Treacy CCÉ 18:00 — Aisling School of Irish Dance 18:30 — Ronan McEvoy 19:10 — Flute Church Band Portadown 19:40 — Filidh 20:25 — Ballynacargy CCÉ 21:00 — Auris – Luke Savage

Gig Rig Daytime Programme Tuesday 4 August | Belfast City Hall The Fleadh's Gig Rig Daytime Programme brings the energy and atmosphere of the Fleadh right into the heart of Belfast city centre. Set against the iconic backdrop of Belfast City Hall, this free outdoor concert series showcases an exciting mix of national and international performers, featuring traditional music, song, dance, céilí bands and large ensembles. Throughout the week, audiences can enjoy performances from Comhaltas branches and visiting artists from across Ireland and around the world, alongside youth orchestras, community collaborations and outstanding local talent. With a packed programme running daily, the Gig Rig offers a welcoming and accessible way for everyone to experience the richness, creativity and infectious spirit of Ireland's living traditional arts. From 6pm on Tuesday 4 August, the programme moves into the evening with Ards CCÉ Entertainment Classes, Nigel Black, Tunes Translated, Oriel Traditional Orchestra, The Cedar Dobson Band and Ruciteme Club, before Macalla take to the stage at 10pm. A critically acclaimed cross-cultural musical collaboration, Macalla brings together artists from the North West Folk Collective in Derry/Londonderry and the Mshakht Collective from Iraq. Directed by bouzouki player Martin Coyle, the eight-piece ensemble blends the sounds of traditional Irish instruments, including bouzouki and uilleann pipes, with Middle Eastern instruments such as the qanun, oud and percussion. Event Schedule 12:50 — Cuimsiú 13:30 — McCullough Curran School of Irish Dance 14:15 — Down Right Musical Trio 15:30 — Cairde Community Choir 16:15 — Ceoltóirí Óga – Etain & a chairde 16:50 — McClean Family 17:20 — Buaiteoirí Siansa- Aistear 18:00 — Ards CCÉ Entertainment Classes 18:30 — Nigel Black 19:10 — Tunes Translated 19:45 — Oriel Traditional Orchestra 20:30 — The Cedar Dobson Band 22:00 — Macalla

Comhaltas Ceannródaithe Awards (Bardic Awards) The Comhaltas Ceannródaithe Awards (Bardic Awards) honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the preservation, promotion and development of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture. Among the highest honours bestowed by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, these prestigious awards recognise a lifetime of dedication, outstanding artistic achievement and significant service to the traditional arts. The recipients represent some of the most influential figures in Irish traditional culture, individuals whose commitment and passion have helped shape and sustain the tradition for generations. The ceremony will be accompanied by performances from the award recipients themselves, all nationally and internationally renowned for their virtuosity, artistry and enduring contribution to Irish traditional music. This special event offers a rare opportunity to celebrate and experience the talents of some of the tradition's most respected and accomplished performers.

Gig Rig Daytime Programme Wednesday 5 August | Belfast City Hall Midweek energy builds as the Gig Rig welcomes two innovative groups pushing the boundaries of traditional music. Tempest Ceol and NxNW bring fresh arrangements, contemporary influences and dynamic performance styles to the stage. Their appearances mark a shift into some of the festival's more exploratory and modern sounds, inviting audiences to experience the evolving landscape of Irish and Celtic music in a lively open-air setting. The Fleadh's Gig Rig Daytime Programme brings the energy and atmosphere of the Fleadh right into the heart of Belfast city centre. Set against the iconic backdrop of Belfast City Hall, this free outdoor concert series showcases an exciting mix of national and international performers, featuring traditional music, song, dance, céilí bands and large ensembles. Throughout the week, audiences can enjoy performances from Comhaltas branches and visiting artists from across Ireland and around the world, alongside youth orchestras, community collaborations and outstanding local talent. With a packed programme running daily, the Gig Rig offers a welcoming and accessible way for everyone to experience the richness, creativity and infectious spirit of Ireland's living traditional arts. Event Schedule 11:00 — Four Corners Flute Orchestra 11:35 — Scotstown CCÉ 12:10 — Jude Scott – Dall 12:40 — Planxty O'Rourke 13:15 — Nós Nua Folk Orchestra 13:55 — Tír na nÓg Dancing Troupe 14:30 — Derry and Inishowen Harp Ensemble 15:20 — Cumann Ceoil na Fuiseoige 16:00 — Singapore CCÉ 16:40 — Craobh Osraí 17:30 — Clann Uí hUiginn (Higgins Clann) 19:00 — Ealta 19:40 — Drinagh Mummers 20:10 — Pedal and Lever Society 20:45 — Tempest 22:00 — NXNW

Ard-Ollamh Award The Ard-Ollamh Award is the highest honour bestowed by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, recognising a lifetime of exceptional dedication to Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture. Awarded to individuals whose work has made a profound and lasting impact on the traditional arts, the Ard-Ollamh celebrates those who have devoted their lives to preserving, nurturing and advancing Ireland's rich cultural heritage. Recipients are recognised not only for their artistic excellence, but also for their commitment to teaching, mentoring and inspiring future generations. This prestigious award acknowledges a lifetime of achievement and service, honouring individuals whose contributions have helped shape and enrich the world of traditional Irish music and culture for audiences both at home and around the globe.