Fleadh should be the inspiration for future events – Ulster Scots Commissioner

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

How a celebration of Irish music and culture was delivered in Belfast should serve as inspiration for future events, the Commissioner for Ulster Scots and the Ulster-British tradition has said.

Lee Reynolds congratulated Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE) for building relations across the community to showcase music and culture across the traditional divide in Northern Ireland in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

He also said the success was an “open challenge” to cultural organisations in the region, pointing out CCE achieved “better representation and relationship with the Ulster Scots and Ulster-British identities” in a short time than they “have managed to develop over many years”.

“The successes achieved represents an open challenge to many of the cultural events, institutions and funding bodies in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“One central question needs to be raised with and addressed by them.

“Why were Comhaltas able to achieve a better representation and relationship with the Ulster Scots and Ulster-British identities in such a short time than they have managed to develop over many years?”

Reynolds was speaking after the week-long festivities came to an end on Sunday night.

The Fleadh has been praised for showcasing Loyalist and Unionist music and culture, and from the ethnic minority community, as well as its traditional celebration of Irish music and culture.

This included performances from Loyalist marching bands on the Gig Rig at Belfast City Hall across the week.

The Fleadh is set to return to Belfast next summer.

In a statement on Monday morning, Mr Reynolds congratulated the Belfast Bands Forum and the Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch/Ulster-Scots Agency for their contribution to Fleadh and those whose talents and skills they showcased.

He also praised CCE for “delivering such a successful event and equally”.

“Their commitment and action on inclusion throughout with Belfast City Council officials playing a crucial support role in both,” he added.

Looking ahead to the return of the Fleadh to Belfast in 2027, Reynolds urged that a goal be set for a greater contribution from the Ulster Scots and Ulster-British tradition next year.

“It should not only be a platform to showcase more but an opportunity to develop new performances that help both self-knowledge and engagement,” he said.

“Any incidents of negativity can also be identified, learnt from and acted on.

“Furthermore, it should be inspiration to attract other major cultural events to Northern Ireland and the potential for developing festivals centred on the Ulster- Scots and Ulster-British identities in coming years.”