Council Support Sought For Fleadh Uladh In Ballycastle

Organisers of Fleadh Uladh (Ulster Fleadh), which is due to take place in Ballycastle in July 2027, have asked Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for help with planning and delivering the festival.

The request will go before the council’s Leisure and Development Committee next week as an item of correspondence.

The festival is due to take place from 18 to 25 July 2027, with organisers saying Ballycastle is also expected to host the event in 2028.

In a letter dated 9 October to council chief executive David Jackson, the organising committee said the festival would attract visitors, musicians and families from across Ireland.

It said the event represented a significant opportunity for the town and wider borough, providing a boost to the local economy while showcasing Ballycastle’s cultural and musical heritage.

The committee has requested assistance with event management and coordination, emergency planning, public safety and liaison with statutory agencies.

Support is also being sought for traffic management, including road closures, parking arrangements and pedestrian access.

Organisers have asked to use council-owned land and facilities where required, with potential requirements including stages, crowd barriers and Changing Places facilities.

The letter was signed by Catherine, chairperson of Baile an Chaistil CCÉ, a branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

It highlighted the council’s previous logistical and operational support for major events, including Red Bull Cliff Diving in Ballycastle, and said a similar collaborative approach would benefit Fleadh Uladh.

The committee has requested an opportunity to discuss the level of assistance available and asked for arrangements to be considered and agreed as soon as practicable.

A meeting is scheduled for 23 October to discuss the festival and a possible application to the council’s Large Events Fund. Organisers hope any funding secured would complement the logistical support requested.

The correspondence does not confirm that council funding or operational assistance has been approved.