Fleadh 2026 Belfast

[Baile Brigín 2]

This could be in the WTF thread. I have never met a southerner who thinks like this...

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/comment/opinion/fleadhs-arrival-in-belfast-is-a-breakthrough-for-southerners-who-see-northern-ireland-as-foreign/a/159497353.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcATerThwZG9mAWZkaWQWUL3P00q2wu6FfZe9owu8N4TpHgo3iWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7cSA5Tjjh4UveBVV6es1YaJ0GWRfkrPSUphHXECu7y6-9rYBQflx6iGx1uCA_aem_6nZZ4GztH-jw26s31K0RCw

Back in the day I knew grown ass man (from Belfast) that never had a pint in the city center! Work with a colleague from the south who'd never been to the North until we had a works function, up to that point the furthest north was Carlinford for a xmas do.. Plenty prods never been across the border too

This. I know plenty of Dubs who have never been to Cork or Limerick either. It's not partitionist, it's just more a thing to go to Riga for a weekend than jump on a train. Kilkenny or Kracow for a long weekend costs the same.

[Sportacus]

Give yourself an hour to dander round it and get your bearings.  There's definitely good vibes, everyone out for a good time and some music. A good few wee ones busking, bring your change for tips. One of the outdoor bar singers was pretty rubbish and there were Lambeg drums and whistles on the gig rig who weren't much better. 
The electric building is brilliantly transformed, you can get a pizza and pint and enjoy the stage music which was very good. Overall there seemed a shortage of sessions in the streets/pubs, but maybe that'll pick up towards the weekend or maybe I'm not familiar enough with 'the scene'. I also wonder is it actually busier with young musicians in the afternoon?  It's a noisy environment with too much piped music, outdoor lads on mics and the generators from stalls, so tough going for a group of 12 year olds trying to play.
I'm not shy criticising the bureaucracy in this place but they've done a nice job here and they're flexing to close more roads around City Hall given the numbers which is a good call.

[Last Man]

The AI fleadh has almost always been an event that fits best in decent sized provincial town. The organisers have done a brilliant job to scale it up to fit the space and maintain the atmosphere. Loads of people still trying to find their feet and strike a balance for what the Fleadh should be about. Heading back tonight for another mooch about and a few tunes fingers crossed.

[gallsman]

Thought last night was a bit quieter. Just dandered around for a couple of hours with no drink. Had a horrible moment when the bouncer at the Haymarket looked at me walking in and said "back for more after last night's carry on?"

There's a Lavery's pop-up in what I'm told is an old eclectical station beside St. Mary's Church. Brilliant atmosphere inside.

[general_lee]

It's brilliant. Really great atmosphere. I didn't know how they'd manage it across such a wide area but it's working out ok so far.

[Square Ball]

Was there last night and what a sight and sound, was amazing. Two hours just dandering about on me owe taking it all in. A few negative comments online, but from the usual suspects, who would have though that.

Throughly enjoyed it and will be back. Well played the organisers.

[brokencrossbar1]

Was there last night and what a sight and sound, was amazing. Two hours just dandering about on me owe taking it all in. A few negative comments online, but from the usual suspects, who would have though that.

Throughly enjoyed it and will be back. Well played the organisers.

Over 2 million positive online mentions according to Belfast Live....says it all really!

[general_lee]

Was there last night and what a sight and sound, was amazing. Two hours just dandering about on me owe taking it all in. A few negative comments online, but from the usual suspects, who would have though that.

Throughly enjoyed it and will be back. Well played the organisers.

The "I don't care about the Fleadh so much that I'm on the internet posting about it" brigade

[Tony Baloney]

There's a bunch of themmuns absolutely raging about the positive feedback. Nolan must be purple with rage!

Looking forward to Friday afternoon now and will definitely be calling in on these ad hoc places like the Electric Light Station and The Donegal. I have to say there has been some great (and highly unusual!) creative thinking to breathe some life into these places and negotiating with the men and women with the clipboards demanding permits and risk assessments. Be interesting to see if many of these spots live on after the Fleadh.

There have been many complaints about piped music drowning out street performers, so hopefully that's one thing learned for next time.

[dec]

Was there last night and what a sight and sound, was amazing. Two hours just dandering about on me owe taking it all in. A few negative comments online, but from the usual suspects, who would have though that.

Throughly enjoyed it and will be back. Well played the organisers.

The "I don't care about the Fleadh so much that I'm on the internet posting about it" brigade

And the more they don't care, the more they post.

[ONeill]

The music last night in Maddens was astonishingly good.

[Tony Baloney]

The music last night in Maddens was astonishingly good.

What time you in there at? Are the better pub sessions on later into the evening?

[marty34]

Hopefully weather will pick up a bit.


Good feel factor about it. Great to see. Good for the businesses in Belfast.


Seem to have managed the bigger city layout rather than smaller towm reasonably well. I'd say they'll review things and plan to tweak a few things for next year.


Could, say, Newry or Armagh hold/organise the Fleadh?

[Tony Baloney]

Hopefully weather will pick up a bit.


Good feel factor about it. Great to see. Good for the businesses in Belfast.


Seem to have managed the bigger city layout rather than smaller towm reasonably well. I'd say they'll review things and plan to tweak a few things for next year.


Could, say, Newry or Armagh hold/organise the Fleadh?

Not sure about Armagh. There actually aren't that many pubs in Armagh and it would be poky enough for space apart from Shambles Yard or Market Place.

[SouthOfThe Bann]

This Fleadh seems to be doing alot for bringing both communities together.

Alot of unionists taking an interest in it and participating which is good to see.

Always have the few trolls but seems to be very positive overall.