The Gradam Inclusion Awards Belfast event celebrated traditional Irish musicians with additional needs at The MAC on Monday 3 August.
Recipients performed traditional music, songs and set dancing before an audience that included political, civic and cultural representatives.
The awards form an important part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. They recognise talent, dedication and inclusion within the traditional Irish music community.
The Gradam Inclusion Awards Belfast event brought musicians, dancers and singers together for one of Monday’s most uplifting Fleadh highlights.
The Comhaltas Gradam Inclusion Awards took place at The MAC in Belfast city centre on Monday 3 August.
The event celebrates traditional Irish musicians with additional needs. It also helps ensure Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann remains a festival where everyone can share their love of music.
Visitors can learn more about the awards through the official Gradam Inclusion Awards event page.
Traditional Irish Musicians Take Centre Stage
Award recipients delivered solo and group performances during the ceremony.
The programme included:
- Traditional Irish songs
- Set dancing
- Group musical performances
- Bodhrán performances
- Tin whistle music
The ceremony recognised the talent, commitment and contribution of musicians who continue to strengthen Ireland’s traditional music community.
The awards celebrate performers who enrich the traditional music community at every level.
Gradam Inclusion Awards: Key Facts
Date Monday 3 August 2026
Venue The MAC, Belfast
Purpose Celebrating traditional musicians with additional needs
Distinguished Guests Attend Belfast Ceremony
The event was attended by representatives from government, local government and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Guests included:
- Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly
- President Catherine Connolly
- First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA
- Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA
- Comhaltas Director-General Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú
- Comhaltas President Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh
Their attendance reflected the significance of the Gradam Inclusion Awards within the wider Fleadh programme.
Readers can find further information about Belfast’s civic representatives through the Belfast City Council website.
Inclusion at the Heart of Fleadh Belfast
The awards underline the Fleadh’s commitment to making traditional Irish culture accessible to performers and audiences of different abilities.
Rather than focusing only on competition, the event celebrates participation, achievement and the contribution every musician can make.
The Gradam Inclusion Awards are recognised as one of the Fleadh’s core events. They sit alongside other ceremonies honouring the people who preserve and develop traditional Irish music, dance and song.
More information is available through the official Fleadh core events guide.
Fleadh Cheoil Continues Across Belfast
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann continues throughout Belfast with concerts, competitions, workshops, dancing and informal music sessions.
Visitors can explore the latest programme, venues and event information through the official Fleadh Cheoil website.
Useful links include:
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