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Date: 16 April 2026
Belfast City Council has highlighted a range of upcoming opportunities for local businesses and independent traders at this summer’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
With over 800,000 people expected to enjoy the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August 2026, a dedicated Food Village in the grounds of St Anne’s Cathedral will offer visitors from around the world a flavour of the city’s thriving food scene and high-quality local produce, as they refuel and relax between competitions, sessions and events.
Recruitment of food and drink traders, managed by the appointed operator, will open shortly. Details will be available from the council website and social media channels, as well as industry partners.
St George’s Market has also been confirmed as opening for the duration of the festival (10am to 5pm Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 August, 10am to 10pm Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August). It will offer live traditional music, food and craft stalls and accessible seating, as well as additional space for traders in neighbouring Verner Street (10am to 10pm, Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August).
Stalls will be offered to existing traders at the market, with an open call to fill any remaining spaces. Opportunities will be advertised via the council’s website and social media channels in May.
A limited number of temporary street trading opportunities are also planned for three streets in the heart of the proposed pedestrianised area in Belfast city centre, at High Street, Bridge Street and Royal Avenue.
Businesses, vendors and entrepreneurs can apply online at belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh from Monday 20 April until Friday 29 May.
Sites will be available on each day of the festival for vendors selling arts and crafts, artisan products, high-quality souvenirs and a limited amount of food and soft drinks.
Full criteria and fees are available now on the council website, ahead of applications opening next week.
With demand expected to be high, the assessment criteria will consider the type of goods offered, alongside applications received from the city’s current street traders (with either an existing stationary or a mobile street trading licence), businesses based inside the proposed pedestrianised area, other Belfast-based entrepreneurs and those wishing to trade for all eight days of the Fleadh.
Pitches within the three locations will be allocated on the basis of the goods sold, as well as their proximity to existing premises and stalls selling similar items, to ensure the best variety for visitors.
Those wishing to trade outside the proposed pedestrianised area can also apply to the council for a temporary street trading licence as normal.
Licensing officers have also been engaging with hospitality venues hoping to benefit from the influx of visitors during Fleadh Cheoil by using the council’s existing pavement café licensing scheme to potentially expand their premises into outdoor spaces.
Staff have been visiting venues and dealing with enquiries as they encourage business owners to consider what they might need to ensure a safe, accessible event for everyone.
Advice and guidance are still available, and the council is encouraging any hospitality business which hasn’t yet come forward to get in touch as soon as possible regarding their specific proposals. This includes queries on entertainment licensing.
Councillor Jordan Doran, Chair of the council’s Licensing Committee, said: “Hosting the Fleadh is all about bringing the city to life, including showcasing the best of our independent business community.
“Additional street trading opportunities, the bespoke food village at St Anne’s Cathedral and extended hours at St George’s Market will all champion local traders and artisan producers, underscore the Fleadh’s commitment to quality, community and heritage, and play a huge role in delivering a vibrant festival atmosphere.
“We’re also working closely with our hospitality sector to ensure we’re taking on board their needs, while helping them to navigate the steps required to keep customers and staff safe during a major event, and take advantage of the opportunities the Fleadh offers.
“I would urge hospitality businesses who haven’t yet spoken to us to call our Licensing team on 028 9027 0650, email [email protected] or visit our website for advice and to chat through their own individual plans.”
Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster, said: “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann presents a major opportunity for the hospitality and wider business community, and we welcome the council’s proactive approach in creating accessible ways for local operators to get involved.
“The scale of the event will bring significant footfall into the city, and initiatives such as the Food Village, extended market offering, and additional bar opportunities will help ensure that businesses of all sizes can benefit.
“It’s also encouraging to see the focus on supporting venues through licensing and outdoor trading guidance, which will be key to delivering a safe, high-quality visitor experience.
“We encourage our members and the wider sector to engage early, plan ahead and make the most of what promises to be a landmark moment for Belfast’s economy and reputation as a vibrant, welcoming destination capable of handling these occasions.”