Festival programme

Each of these festivals celebrates the local calendar – modern as well as our ancient Celtic calendar. They involve music, art, singing, animal touch experiences, bouncy castles… and are very much targeted at local families. As far as possible, all these events are free.

Féile na hAbhann is LORAG’s major showcase festival which has been running for seven years – 2026 was the seventh year of delivery. The main partners are: LORAG, Market Development Association and Short Strand Community Forum. As well as being a community festival, this programme of events has a community diversionary focus, aiming to divert young people from engaging in bonfire making and anti-social behaviour over the summer period.

Féile na hAbhann 2026

Féile na hAbhann 2026 took place over three weeks in July and August. It consisted of:

• Football tournament in Ormeau Park 25th–26th July 2026 – 18 teams participated
• Currach races between young people in the three communities: 1st August 2026
• Twilight Market on the Walkway and in An Droichead’s garden: 31st July 2026, 5–10 pm
• Walkway family festival on the Walkway and in the Gasworks: 1st August 2026, 12–4 pm
• Concert in the Gasworks: 1st August 2026, 7 pm (Tales of the River)
• Song and Story night in Verner Street outdoor stage: 6th August 2026, 6–11 pm
• Trad nights in Verner Street outdoor stage: 7th–9th August 2026, 6–11 pm
• Dance night in the Market: 7th August 2026

The Walkway and Gasworks events delivered a wide range of activities including:

• An urban beach
• Intercultural dance
• Animal touch experiences
• River activities
• Bouncy castles
• Live music
• Art activities such as crafts and music
• Sporting events

The 2026 festival also tied in with the flagship Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which attracted an audience of over one million people and created a great sense of civic pride for residents. The Fleadh brought the city to life through all forms of traditional music taking over venues and streetscapes across the city. The festival showcased and celebrated the river Lagan and its connecting pathways.

What participants said

• “I think it’s fabulous how my community can organise this great event. I’m beyond proud.”
• “I see inclusiveness.”
• “It made me feel like the Ormeau Road is buzzing, full of positive energy and creativity.”
• “Lovely to see the walkway come alive.”
• “I enjoyed the togetherness.”
• “It has shown my community is vibrant, diverse and buzzing.”
• “I enjoy seeing all different types of cultures come together as one and enjoy a brilliant event together. It has made me feel a great sense of pride for my community.”