Ulster Bands Showcase celebrates Unionist and Ulster-Scots culture at Belfast Fleadh

The Ulster Bands Showcase at Belfast Fleadh brought flute bands, Lambeg drumming, pipe band traditions and Highland dancing to the Titanic Slipways on Thursday evening. The Belfast Bands Forum event formed part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 and was attended by senior political and civic representatives.

The Ulster Bands Showcase at Belfast Fleadh has celebrated Unionist and Ulster-Scots musical traditions at the Titanic Slipways.

The event took place on Thursday, 6 August, as part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, which is being hosted across Belfast until Sunday, 9 August.

Presented by the Belfast Bands Forum, the showcase gave visitors the opportunity to experience a range of musical and dancing traditions associated with Unionist and Ulster-Scots culture.

Ulster Bands Showcase brings different traditions to the Fleadh

The programme featured flute bands, Lambeg drumming, pipe band traditions and Scottish country and Highland dancing.

Organisers described the showcase as an opportunity to celebrate the distinctive heritage and craftsmanship associated with these musical traditions while presenting them to a wider Fleadh audience.

The event formed part of a wider Belfast Fleadh programme designed to showcase a broad range of musical and cultural traditions from across the city and beyond.

Bands take to the Titanic Slipways

Among those performing during the evening were:

• Imperial Guards Belfast
• Sir Henry Inglesby Fife and Drum
• County Armagh Drum Majors
• Church Flute Band
• The Loyal
• Bailles Mills Accordion Band
• County Ballylone Concert Flute Band

Highland dancing was also part of the programme, with performances from the Molly Smith School of Highland Dance and Sollus Highland Dancers.

The Titanic Slipways provided a distinctive Belfast backdrop for the showcase, with the city’s maritime and industrial heritage surrounding the outdoor performance area.

Political and civic representatives attend Belfast event

A number of senior political, civic and cultural representatives attended the showcase.

They included Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle.

Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú and Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann were also in attendance.

Fleadh Cheoil continues across Belfast

The Ulster Bands Showcase comes during a packed week of activity across Belfast as the city hosts Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2 to 9 August 2026.

Competitions, live music, dancing, performances and cultural events are taking place at venues throughout the city, with the final weekend expected to be among the busiest periods of the festival.

Visitors can view the latest programme, event information and visitor guidance through the official Fleadh website.

View the Fleadh Cheoil Belfast programme