Press

TG4 brings ‘Fleadh26’ to the World, Live from Belfast

Four unmissable days & nights of music, song & dance

27.07.26

This August, Belfast will play host to the biggest celebration of Irish traditional music, song and dance in the world as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann comes to the city for the very first time.
From August 6th–9th, TG4 will broadcast four spectacular nights of live entertainment from Belfast City Centre, in the heart of the Fleadh, bringing viewers the very best of Ireland’s musical stars alongside some of the most exciting new voices and talents emerging on the traditional music scene today.
This is the first time that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has come to Belfast, the UNESCO City of Culture and a unique opportunity to showcase Belfast’s rich cultural landscape as hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the city for a week-long celebration of Irish culture.
Produced by the award-winning Power Pictures, the live shows will be presented by three familiar faces with deep roots in traditional music and Irish culture:

Presented by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Peadar Ó Goill and Gráinne McElwain live each night at 9:30pm, TG4’s Fleadh26 stages, located between Fountain & Castle Street, will come alive with electrifying performances from top traditional artists, rising stars, international guests, and freshly crowned competition winners, all broadcast live to audiences at home and abroad.
A selection of competitions will also be streamed on Trad TG4 YouTube from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th. The crowd favourite ‘Senior Céilí Band competition’ takes place on Sunday. From live competitions and vibrant stage shows to family friendly Cúla4 content, the Fleadh experience will come to life across TG4, TG4.ie (player) and social platforms @TG4TV and @TradTG4.
 
 
“Four Nights, One Festival, Endless Live Talent at Fleadh26”
 
Thursday 6th

Brian Kennedy – The Hothouse Flowers – Tim Edey – Talisk – The Johnny Quinn Macs – Jessica Willis Fisher – Michael McGovern – The Unprepared – Gary Hastings – Mná An Chomhaltais – Steve Cooney & Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan Cross Border Youth Folk Orchestra (with Michael Rooney, Máirtín O’Connor, Bríd Harper, Niall Hanna)
 
Friday 7th August

Lúnasa – Clare Sands – The Kilfenora Céilí Band – Project Smok – David Keenan – Tim Edey – J.P. Cormier – Cedar Dobson – Lúan – Sexy Tadhg – Niamh Noade – Dolores Keane Tribute – Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland
 
Saturday 8th August

Foy Vance – Dónal Lunny – Zoë Conway – Kevin Burke – Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin – Niamh Keady-Tabbal – Déanta – Pólca 4 – Peter Street – Lisa Knapp – Gerry Diver – Trip – Janet Harbison – Windborne – Dermot Byrne – Jim Murray – Noriana Kennedy – Sam Carey
 
Sunday 9th August

Bow Brothers – Andy Irvine – Joshua Burnside – Karan Casey – Niall Vallely – Niwel Tsumbu – Enda Scahill – Joel Andersson – Neil Martin – Stephen Rea – Mec Lir – Gary Curley – Stephen McKee – Moya Brennan Tribute – The Piper’s Club Céilí Band
 

“TG4 is delighted to be live broadcast partner of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 and work with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Belfast City Council, and the wider artistic community of Northern Ireland to bring the very best of the Fleadh across the globe on all TG4 broadcast platforms. Broadcasting live from a newly build Fleadh village, the Waterfront Hall and across the streets of Belfast, we look forward to four days and four nights of the very best of entertainment.
On TG4 TV, TG4’s trad YouTube, the TG4 player and all social channels, audiences can plot their way through non – stop entertainment.
TG4’s social channels will also come ablaze, and our Cúla4 team will be on the streets capturing the fun and performances of our youngest festivalgoers bringing the Fleadh to audiences here and now, while creating an invaluable archive for generations to come. TG4 and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are immensely proud of the collaboration we have built to ensure that everyone, everywhere gets a taste of Ireland’s premier cultural festival.” – Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, Commissioning Editor, TG4.
 
“As we look ahead to Fleadh 2026 in Belfast, our partnership with TG4 remains crucial in showcasing Ireland’s rich cultural traditions. Through the dynamic and engaging programming, our partnership is not only making our cultural traditions accessible to all but ensuring they remain a vibrant and visible part of our society. The widespread audience drawn to the Fleadh TV broadcasts reflects both the quality of the productions and the enduring appeal of Irish culture across the globe.” – Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Dr. Labhrás Ó Murchú.
 
 

‘Fleadh26: Na Comórtais’
Competitions Live Online – TradTG4 – YouTube and www.Comhaltas.ie

Uilleann Pipes – 2:30pm
Miscellaneous Instrument – 5pm
 
Saturday 8th August

Duets – 2:30pm
Banjo – 1:30pm
Harp – 5pm
 
Sunday 9th August

Céilí Bands (U12) – 10am
Senior Céilí Bands – 5:30pm to 9:30pm

 
The Cúla4 Team Takes to the Streets of Belfast for Fleadh26
Cúla4, the dedicated Irish-language children’s channel, and presenter Niamh Ní Chróinín are bringing the excitement of Fleadh26 to the streets of Belfast on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August with the Cúla4 mobile stage.
Young Fleadh-goers are invited to step into the spotlight and showcase their talents, from traditional tunes and songs to dancing and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or simply want to join in the fun, everyone is welcome to take to the Cúla4 stage and celebrate the creativity, music, and energy of Fleadh26.
Don’t miss the highlights! Follow all the best performances on Cúla4’s social channels:
 
Instagram: @Cula4_tg4
Facebook: @Cúla4
 
Throwback to Fleadh25 : https://nasc.tg4.tv/Fleadh25