Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann kicks off in Belfast

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has kicked off in Belfast for the very first time.

Thousands gathered for the opening event in the grounds of city hall with a set by Ards CCÉ, the local branch of Comhaltas, which organises the Fleadh, and speeches from organisers, the first and deputy first ministers, and the Irish President Catherine Connolly.

The eight-day festival, which runs until 9 August, is the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture.

There are more than 200 events planned across the city, with live music sessions, storytelling, interactive workshops, dance classes and family fun days featuring in the programme.

In her opening address, President Catherine Connolly said it was "very, very special" that the Fleadh was being held in Belfast.

"Over the next week, Belfast will welcome visitors from all corners of Ireland and indeed the world," she told the crowds.

It is, she said, "a celebration of what we have in common and the universality of music, song and dance."

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers attended the opening ceremony along with the new Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she couldn't be prouder that Belfast is hosting the event.

"It is our Fleadh and we'll celebrate it together," she said.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said culture does not divide people.

"It strengthens the place we all call home," she added.

Ellen Wright, from Brisbane in Australia, said that the Fleadh was a way of reconnecting with her roots.

"I was born here, but I moved away when I was really young, so I wanted to come back and learn more about my heritage and my culture and it is just good luck that this was on at the same time I am over here," she said.

She said she loved Irish music but that she had "not heard much of it live".

"To be able to experience it in person, and see everybody out dancing, and seeing that everyone knows the words even though I'm sure the songs are super old, it is really beautiful."

Ruairí Roantree from Blessington, County Wicklow, was in Belfast for the opening ceremony and said there was a great atmosphere.

"I have always loved Irish folk music and I happened to be up in Belfast and I had never been to the fleadh before," he said.

"The opening ceremony has been brilliant , it is great to see people of all ages involved.

"It is a really nice atmosphere and I will be checking out some more traditional sessions today."

Danny Norman's children were among some of the first performers to take to the stage.

"This is my first time and I'm very proud, there has never been anything like this.

"This is great for Belfast, it is a showcase for Northern Ireland, it is good to see a bit of life about Belfast."

The Fleadh's main outdoor stage, the Gig Rig, is located outside Belfast City Hall. the stage will offer free live performances every day.

As well as core events the city centre the fringe programme will feature more than 90 community events with family-focused gatherings taking place in neighbourhood venues across Belfast.

The biggest change for residents and visitors will be the creation of a large, pedestrianised zone in Belfast city centre over the course of the festival.

This is to ensure safe pedestrian movement and allow for performances and activities to take place.

The city centre zone will be pedestrianised with road closures from 5:00 BST on Sunday and the yellow shaded area in the map above will be closed to traffic.

The roads around the city hall in blue will be open some of the time, closing on a phased basis as necessary.

Main routes across the wider city will remain open, but motorists are being asked to check routes in advance.

Michelle Downey from the Downey Group said businesses have been gearing up and working to get ready for the big week.

"Fleadh fever has arrived in Belfast," she said.

"We are planning for St Patrick's Day every day for eight days, so if that happens it will be fantastic."

John Lavery of Fish City said you "could feel the excitement in the air" and that there was a "vibrancy" in Belfast.

He said he had put "substantial" investment in place, and had spent "tens of thousands of pounds getting ready for this".

Emily Sparling, of Peter Keegan's Bar in Belfast echoed his words, saying her business has invested £60,000 and hired extra staff "across the board" for the event.

"We are expecting a very big week, everyone is buzzing, can't wait."

Dominic Lavery from Lavery's Bar said that planning for the event had taken "five or six months".

"From Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday hopefully it will feel like your normal Saturday night, and from then on it's going to be like Paddy's day on steroids for the duration."

Belfast City Council and Translink are urging people to plan ahead and leave extra time for journeys to and from the city.

Road closures and diversions came into effect at 05:00 BST on Sunday and will remain in place until 07:00 BST on Monday 10 August.

No parking or waiting restrictions will make driving through the city centre and its vicinity difficult, even for drop-offs.

A full list of road closures can be seen on the council's website.

Anyone travelling from outside the city is encouraged to use public transport and plan in advance using the Translink website.

A free shuttle bus will operate from three Fleadh park and ride sites at the Eikon Exhibition Centre at Sprucefield, Giant's Park and Belfast Harbour Estate.

All Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus and train services will operate throughout the event, but there will be temporary alterations to some bus stops and pick-up points around City Hall.

Additional late-night bus and rail services will be in place on Sunday, and again from Thursday to Sunday.

Translink is running special day return bus services from towns and cities across Northern Ireland. These are available to pre-book online.

Taxi services will continue to operate throughout the festival.

Dedicated pick-up and drop-off locations will be located around the edge of the pedestrianised event zone, at Corporation Street, Little Donegall Street, junction of North Street and Royal Avenue, King Street, Adelaide Street and Chichester Street.

A fully accessible city-centre loop shuttle service will operate throughout the festival for people with accessibility requirements or those carrying heavy instruments.

Visitors travelling from the Republic of Ireland can access Belfast via hourly cross-border coach services from Dublin city centre and Dublin Airport, or hourly train services between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Grand Central Station.

The Irish language will form an important part of the visitor experience at the Fleadh.

A dedicated Irish Language Hub at The Mac will include free taster classes, arts and crafts workshops, circus skills, family entertainment and a dedicated family room throughout the week.

Bilingual signage, visitor information, festival dressing and other temporary infrastructure will help people navigate venues, attractions and event facilities.

Alongside activity at the Irish Language Hub, the wider festival programme will also include events celebrating Ulster-Scots language and traditions, including an Ulster Bands Showcase.

Details of all Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann events can be found here.