The council has unveiled a nine-day cultural programme that will bring live music, workshops, heritage events and family activities to town centre venues and open spaces between 1 and 9 August 2026. The Lisburn and Castlereagh Fleadh Fringe runs alongside Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast and aims to offer residents additional opportunities to take part in festival events close to home.
What to expect during the Fringe
Organisers say the events will blend traditional and contemporary arts, showcasing local talent and inviting visitors to sample heritage-led talks, hands-on craft sessions and a variety of performances. The heart of the Fringe will occupy Market Square, Bow Street and Castle Gardens on the Friday and Saturday of the festival weekend, when organisers expect a concentration of free outdoor entertainment.
- 1 August: heritage talks and a Multi-Cultural Celebration
- 3–7 August: daily Celtic craft activities
- 5 August: Candlelight Cathedral Irish Music Showcase featuring TRÚ and supporting artist Tia Bow
- 7–8 August: main Fringe hub across the city centre
- 8 August: Heritage Road event and Celtic knot willow workshop
- 9 August: set dancing workshop
Featured performers and highlights
The Candlelight Cathedral Irish Music Showcase will be staged at Lisburn Cathedral on 5 August and will feature Michael Mormecha performing with the group TRÚ, accompanied by Fionnuala Fagan-Thiébot, who performs under the name Tia Bow. An Irish dancing exhibition will run through the week to complement the music and craft events.
"The Lisburn and Castlereagh Fleadh Fringe Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the rich culture, heritage and community spirit that makes our area so special,"
The comment came from the council's Deputy Mayor, Alderman Aaron McIntyre, who highlighted the event's role in promoting local culture and encouraging people to explore venues across the council area.
Practical information
Most Fringe events are free to attend and will take place at a mix of indoor and outdoor locations across the city. The programme has been designed to appeal to a broad audience, from families looking for daytime activities to music fans seeking evening performances.
| Date | Main activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Aug | Heritage talks / Multi-Cultural Celebration | City venues |
| 5 Aug | Candlelight Cathedral Irish Music Showcase | Lisburn Cathedral |
| 7–8 Aug | Fringe city hub: music, markets, street acts | Market Square, Bow Street, Castle Gardens |
Residents and visitors are advised to check the council's website for the full timetable and any updates nearer the time. The Fringe is being promoted as an accessible complement to the larger Fleadh events in Belfast, offering local locations where people can join in without travelling to the city for every programme item.
As the council prepares to host the series of events, organisers say the Fringe aims both to spotlight local artists and traders and to provide additional cultural activities for anyone attending the national Fleadh in Belfast.
