Belfast attempts a Guinness World Record attempt for World’s Biggest Céilí this weekend

The dancing record attempt will kick off this Sunday

This year’s event expects to welcome more than 10,000 participants, marking themselves as one of the most outstanding celebrations of traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and dance.

In 2025, the festival already broke a record by attracting more than 30,000 attendees from 34 countries. 

The occasion is specially designed for families, including a delightful musical program featuring talents such as Blackwater Céilí Band, Niamh McGlinchey,Jack Warnock, Down Academy Pipe Band, Cleamairí Feirste, Belfast Wren Boys, Causeway Shantymen, Selkies Sea Shanty Women, Buoys of Ballisodare, and Glengormley School of Traditional Music.

There will also be plenty of activities, ranging from Bodhrán Circles; children’s activities like Maritime art workshops, face painting, and a funfair; Nomadic Stages; and even a food village with plenty of delicious local food and drink. 

 "This céilí is more than a communal dance; it is a living link to our ancestors, celebrating their spirit, resilience and enduring legacy. As we gather to dance and make music together, we honour those who came before us while ensuring these traditions continue to thrive.

It's a powerful way to open this year's festival, and we hope it marks the first step towards an attempt in 2027 to secure the Guinness World Records title for the World's Biggest Céilí”, said Dónal O'Connor, Artistic Director of Belfast TradFest. 

Belfast TradFest is an annual celebration of Irish traditional music, song, and dance, and a role model as one of Europe's leading celebrations of traditional arts.. 

This year's programme marks its eight edition, ranking Belfast again as a UNESCO City of Music.

The whole event will run from Sunday 26 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, and will welcome over 1,000 artists across almost 600 events. 

The extensive programme includes concerts, an incredible line-up of musicians, special themed events, The Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail, Ireland's Fastest-Growing Summer School, Grand Central Station Sessions, sober sessions, and a Harp Ireland Partnership. There will also be plenty of talks, lectures and screenings.

For more details and book tickets, have a look at their full programme.