Craic & Craft has been hailed as a major success after welcoming unprecedented numbers of visitors during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast.
Delivered by, the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association and Sonic Events, Craic & Craft transformed the outdoor space between ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall into a vibrant celebration of local food, drink, artisan makers, family entertainment and traditional music.
Hundreds of thousands of local people and tourists visited the free-to-enter market throughout the week, creating a lively meeting place in the heart of the city and contributing to the unforgettable atmosphere surrounding the Fleadh.
The strong visitor numbers demonstrated the appetite for authentic local food and hospitality experiences alongside major cultural events. Food traders, artisan producers and family attractions proved extremely popular, while Belfast’s cafés and food-to-go businesses also played an important role in welcoming visitors and showcasing the quality, creativity and warmth for which the city is known.
From street food and locally produced treats to crafts, live traditional music and family entertainment, Craic & Craft provided visitors with an opportunity to experience the very best of Northern Ireland’s independent businesses.
Michael Henderson, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said: “The response to Craic & Craft has been exceptional. We have welcomed an unprecedented number of people from across Northern Ireland, the island of Ireland and further afield, and it has been wonderful to see our local vendors attracting such strong interest throughout the Fleadh.
“This was an extraordinary celebration of everything our food-to-go businesses, cafés, producers and independent traders bring to Belfast. They are a vital part of our visitor experience, our economy and the character of our communities.
“The Fleadh provided an international stage for Belfast, and Craic & Craft ensured that local businesses were at the heart of that opportunity. The success of the market demonstrates exactly what can be achieved when the food-to-go industry, event partners, the media and the wider cultural sector work together.
“We are proud that the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association was able to help deliver such a successful event and give our businesses the profile they deserve.”
Craic & Craft
Craic & Craft featured an extensive line-up of food trucks, local producers and artisan traders from across the island of Ireland, with the majority based in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Its covered Session Tent hosted live traditional music throughout the week, complementing the performances, competitions and spontaneous sessions taking place across the city.
Christine Cousins, Owner of Sonic Events, said: “Craic & Craft exceeded our expectations, and we are absolutely delighted with its success. The atmosphere throughout the market was incredible, with visitors embracing the fantastic food, local products, entertainment and family activities on offer.
“A huge amount of work went into curating and delivering the experience, and the response from visitors was tremendous. Our traders brought exceptional energy, quality and creativity to the market, helping us showcase the very best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
“It was a privilege to play a part in welcoming the Fleadh to Belfast for the first time and to see the city come alive through music, culture, food and hospitality.”
The Association was also delighted to welcome U105 to Craic & Craft as its media partner, helping to capture the atmosphere and festivities while bringing the stories of the event, its traders and visitors to an even wider audience.
The success of Craic & Craft formed part of an historic week for Belfast as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann brought musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers and visitors from around the world together for an outstanding celebration of traditional Irish music and culture.
A strong footprint has been set for the Fleadh’s return in 2027.
