BELFAST, you beaut!

Here’s me sitting writing a column in a caravan in the shadow of Samson and Goliath, feeling like I’m in a parallel universe. I can’t fully describe what I’ve been part of this last week.

There are some occasions when a city hosts an event, and there are others when an event tells the world something about the city itself. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Belfast belongs firmly in the second category.

It was estimated that 800,000 would take part in the eight-day festival of competitions, concerts, street performances, céilís, pub sessions and cultural events. By Friday, that number had already hit one million and the weekend was only starting.

Thank you for the music, and the joy you’ve given - The Irish News view

Noel Doran: This may have been the greatest week in Belfast’s history

I want to first say a huge comhgairdeas to the Belfast City Council cleansing department. You are amazing. Walking through the city early on Saturday, it looked like no-one was out past 10pm.

One of the most significant things is what happens when the music spills beyond the traditional boundaries of the Fleadh and begins to make room for the many traditions that have shaped Belfast.

That is particularly evident in the involvement of Protestant, unionist and loyalist bands, including musicians from the Belfast Bands Forum.

The Fleadh programme deliberately included performances exploring the traditions of flute bands, Lambeg drumming, Scottish dancing and piping and that is worth celebrating.

A number of years ago, I took part in a Féile debate where I was asked about loyalist bands and I said that I felt they were a positive influence, because they gave young people the disciple of learning music whilst at the same time understanding the history and heritage of their community. I might not agree with their message all the........

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