Footfall cameras record 1.6 million people in Belfast over week of Fleadh

MORE than 1.6 million people were counted on Belfast city centre ‘footfall cameras’ over the week of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

The final figures were released by the Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID), on Monday.

The organisation’s footfall cameras cover an area of roughly one square mile surrounding Belfast City Hall.

Belfast One is the city’s largest BID with 700 levy payers, funding the footfall cameras which deliver the data to understand successes and forecast for future events. They say the cameras are situated on Ann Street, Castle Street, Donegall Place, Royal Avenue, Corn Market and Fountain Street.

In total, footfall count for the Fleadh reached 1,653,999 from Sunday, August 2 to Sunday, August 9. The busiest day of the year to date was recorded on Saturday, August 8, with 289,560 visitors.

Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID said: “This has been a week like no other for Belfast and has once again put our city firmly on the international stage.

“This success has been a true partnership. On behalf of my whole team at Belfast One BID, I would like to acknowledge and thank the organisers, Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Belfast City Council, alongside the PSNI and the many partners across the city who worked tirelessly to deliver such a successful and culturally significant event.

“Our business community and their teams also played a vital role, with creative activations, pop-up venues, performances and surprises, working behind the scenes to help create the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that made the streets of Belfast come alive and drove even more visitors to the festival as a whole.

“Most importantly, this success belongs to the people of Belfast. They embraced the experience, came into the city in huge numbers and created a truly positive and welcoming atmosphere.

“We know there is more work to do next year to build on this success and ensure a lasting legacy. What we have seen so far, and the excitement and hope for next year’s event already, has been incredibly positive for the city.”