Belfast to benefit from Fleadh dividend to tune of up to €100m - but what will be its legacy?
Belfast is hosting the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with projections suggesting the festival could generate up to £100 million for the local economy. Attendance numbers have significantly exceeded initial forecasts, prompting discussions about the long-term economic and cultural legacy of the event.
Why it matters
The event highlights the massive economic impact of cultural festivals on regional economies and raises questions about state support for the arts.
(Seo alt ónár bhfoireann Gaeltachta. Is féidir an bunleagan as Gaeilge a léamh anseo )
IT IS NOW estimated that Belfast business people could reap a dividend of up to £100m (€117m) from Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann taking place in the city this week, with crowds far larger than anticipated attending events in the harbour city.
The forecast before the Fleadh got underway on Sunday was that there would be 800,000 visitors to the city during the Fleadh, which was the basis for the previous income projection of around £53m (€60m).
More than 170,000 attended the official opening — double the number that came to the opening day of the Fleadh in Wexford last year. By Tuesday, 350,000 had already come to Belfast, adding to the hope that the crowd going north for the great traditional music festival will far exceed what was predicted.
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