Why unionists went to the Belfast Fleadh and liked it

The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) expressed concerns over the All-Ireland Fleadh, which took place in Belfast this week for the first time. The party raised issues regarding the event's cost and the disruption it caused, as well as the sale of Tricolours by a private Post Office branch in the city center. However, these concerns were not representative of broader unionist sentiment. The Fleadh received support from key unionist figures, including the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). The DUP’s Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, opened the event with a statement emphasizing that the Fleadh belonged to everyone who called Belfast home. Jon Burrows, leader of the UUP, also participated in the festivities. The event featured music and dance rooted in the unionist tradition, including performances by loyalist marching bands. In addition to the main event in Belfast, a Fleadh fringe was held in Bangor, the largest town in Northern Ireland with no nationalist elected representatives. Initially, unionist councillors opposed the fringe, citing potential conflicts with the Ulster Pipe Band championship. However, they withdrew their objections after the bands indicated they had no issue with the arrangement. While there is no official census of attendees, anecdotal evidence suggests that a significant number of unionists were present in Belfast’s city center. Online commentary has largely been positive, with little visible dissent. This outcome was considered a pleasant surprise, especially given the historical divisions in the region. Belfast’s transformation during the Fleadh played a crucial role in its appeal. The city center was cleaned up and made pedestrian-friendly for nine days, offering residents and visitors a rare glimpse of a revitalized urban space. This effort required collaboration between Belfast City Council and Stormont’s Department for Infrastructure, despite the latter’s reputation for inefficiency. The success of the Fleadh may lead to increased public expectations for similar improvements in the future. The presence of unionists at the Fleadh challenges common perceptions about their stance toward Irish culture. While some believe unionists are inherently hostile to manifestations of Irish heritage, the event demonstrated otherwise. The songs performed were not sectarian, and the overall atmosphere remained non-partisan. During my observations, only one Tricolour was spotted throughout the day, contradicting the TUV’s apprehensions. Unionists have historically shown an interest in traditional Irish music and dance, particularly in unionist-dominated areas. Many nationalists remain unaware of this cultural engagement, just as unionists have been blind to the Fleadh’s existence. This lack of awareness underscores the deep-seated divisions within Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, the West Belfast Festival, known as Féile an Phobail, is also underway. Unlike the Fleadh, Féile is associated with Sinn Féin and focuses on a republican perspective of the Troubles and a united Ireland. While some unionists attend Féile, the event does not attract large crowds due to its political associations. Comparisons are frequently drawn between the Fleadh and the Twelfth of July celebrations. Since 2007, efforts have been made to transform the Twelfth into a cultural event, branded as “Orangefest.” This initiative includes Irish traditional dance and music, aiming to promote inclusivity and shift the focus away from parades. However, Orangefest’s partisan nature limits its ability to draw broad attendance, much like Féile.