2 Royal Avenue to host Belfast’s late-night, all-ages stage during Fleadh week
:Panic :Over, Alana Henderson, Paddy Nash, Polar Bolero, Dark Tropics and more join a full programme of ‘low cost or no cost’ workshops and family events
Families will be able to enjoy Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann with a full week of low-cost and free concerts, workshops, sessions and exhibitions at 2 Royal Avenue, with some late family friendly events until 11pm.
Running from Sunday 2nd to Sunday 9th August, the venue’s Fleadh Fringe programme has been curated by MayWe Events on behalf of Belfast City Council and Ards Comhaltas for all generations. Children are welcome at the evening events programmed for Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August until 11pm, allowing families to stay for the headline acts rather than having to leave as the main programme begins.
Every event is either free or deliberately low cost, with free admission to all events, for children under five throughout the week.
The family-friendly programme opens with The Light of Other Days, a free exhibition of Jim Maginn’s photographsdocumenting the people, places and traditions at the heart of Irish music. The exhibition runs daily from 10am to 6pm.
Young musicians are invited to bring their instruments to free daily seisiúns hosted by Glengormley School of Traditional Music from 2pm to 5pm, while the Families of Ulster recital series will bring some of the province’s great musical families to the stage each afternoon.
The workshop programme includes Same But Different, a hands-on exploration of the shared roots and distinct traditions of the Lambeg drum and bodhrán. Free sustainability and upcycling workshops will also run from Monday to Wednesday morning.
On Thursday 6 August, Seanchaí: A Living Tapestry of Ireland’s Stories will celebrate Ireland’s storytelling tradition before Stendhal Festival takes over the evening stage. Its line-up features Balcony Sunrise, Tessio, Paddy Nash & Friends, Polar Bolero and Alana Henderson.
Ross Parkhill, Festival Director of Stendhal, said:
“Stendhal has always been about creating opportunities for incredible artists and bringing people together through live music. We’re delighted to be part of Belfast’s first Fleadh and to bring a taste of the festival into the heart of the city. “Balcony Sunrise, Tessio, Paddy Nash & Friends, Polar Bolero and Alana Henderson represent the depth of talent we have here. We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences to 2 Royal Avenue for a fantastic evening of live music.” |
On Friday and Saturday, MOIRO, Music of Irish Origin, presented by Smashing Buttons, will broaden the Fleadh sound with two nights of traditional music, folk, indie, funk, soul, hip-hop and alternative rock.
Friday’s line-up includes Rory Gallagher’s favourite guitarist, Paul Rose, the Trad Folkin’ Rocks crew, local indie favourites VERA and the acclaimed Dark Tropics, whose music has been supported by Radio 1, Radio 2 and RTÉ 2FM. Earlier performances include Cora Harkin and BGT semi-finalist Niamh Noade, joined by her musical family from TG4’s Réalta agus Gaolta.
Saturday’s daytime programme features Aidan Mulholland and Sons and international folk-pop artist Cora. The evening line-up includes funk master Noble Johnson, Ed Sheeran protégé Antwan Ruiz, Becky McNeice and rising hip-hop artist Evo, with Downtown Radio’s Neal McClelland hosting.
At the centre of Saturday night’s programme will be :Panic :Over. Fresh from sold-out shows and festival appearances at home and in Japan, the young Bangor band will take to the stage at 8pm.
Lois Kennedy, Managing Director of MayWe Events and operator of 2 Royal Avenue, said:
“We wanted to create a space where families could enjoy Fleadh week without watching the clock or worrying about the cost.” “Alongside everything happening during the day, we’re delighted to welcome families into the evening programme so they can see the headline acts and enjoy the full occasion together. It’s equally important that young musicians have somewhere to play and that people of every age feel part of the week. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors and showcase some of the best talent fro Belfast and beyond, it is going to be an amazing week for the city.” |
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann takes place across Belfast from Sunday 2nd to Sunday 9th August 2026. Full programme and booking information for events at 2 Royal Avenue can be found on the official Fleadh website (fleadhcheoil.ie/whats-on)
