Toe-tapping tunes on the tracks surprise passengers as Belfast gears up to make history
July 21: It’s full steam ahead for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
A regular Enterprise train journey turned into an unforgettable celebration today (July 21), as unsuspecting passengers were treated to surprise live performances on route to Belfast, signalling that Fleadh fever has officially arrived.
Musicians, singers and dancers transformed the 10.50am service from Connolly Station into a ‘moving session’, as Visit Belfast marked the countdown to the city hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann’s for the first time.
Amongst those helping Enterprise passengers feel the energy of the Fleadh were acclaimed Irish flute and tin whistle player Brian Finnegan, as well as one of the world's leading bodhrán players, Aimee Farrell Courteney.
The energy also spilled into Belfast Grand Central Station as passengers were welcomed with music from Stonewall and the McVerry family from South Armagh.
All-Ireland champion Arlene McCarroll also kicked into action with a captivating sean-nós dance performance creating an unforgettable welcome for passengers.
Excitement across the city is really ramping up as it gets ready to roll out the red carpet for 800,000 visitors for the world's largest celebration of Irish music, language and dance from August 2-9.
As the only UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland, music is woven into Belfast's identity, with more than 80 music venues, world-class performance spaces, a year-round programme of festivals, and a strong tradition of community and multicultural music-making.
With Translink Enterprise services running on the hour, getting to Belfast from Dublin has never been more convenient. Arriving into the city’s new Grand Central Station, visitors will step straight into the heart of the celebrations, with Belfast ready to offer a warm welcome, unforgettable experiences and the unmistakable energy of the Fleadh.
Visit Belfast Head of Marketing, Gavin McKenna said: “There is great excitement building across the city, and today's surprise performances captured exactly the energy people can expect when Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann arrives in Belfast.
“With Translink Enterprise services running on the hour, it’s never been easier for train passengers to get to Belfast from Dublin.
“This year's Fleadh will make history, with Belfast becoming the first UNESCO City of Music ever to host the annual celebration. Music is in the DNA of this vibrant city - it will be eight unforgettable days and we're incredibly proud to host something truly historic.
“Belfast is ready to welcome the regular Fleadh goers and those coming for the first time. The city has everything a visitor could want for a week like this: a compact, walkable centre, warm hospitality, and a genuine passion for celebrating.”
Fleadh energy will be impossible to miss across Belfast, with the city's music scene on full display - from intimate traditional sessions in pubs and neighbourhood venues to major headline events in some of the city's most iconic spaces.
At the heart of the celebrations, the Gig Rig at City Hall will host free large-scale outdoor performances showcasing headline acts alongside emerging talent, while an extensive fringe programme brings dance, visual art, workshops, talks and storytelling to venues right across the city.
For more information on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann visit fleadhcheoil.ie and for the latest on what’s happening in Belfast and to plan your trip visit visitbelfast.com.
