Planning

T2694 Programme Curation to support the Fringe Programme of the Fleadh Cheoil2026

BELFAST CITY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

28 Oct 2025 at 11:10

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Belfast City Council is in the planning stages of a procurement process for Programme Curation and Management Services supporting the Fringe Programme for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. This event, set to animate Belfast with cultural and celebratory performances, is scheduled for 2nd-9th August 2026, marking its first instance in the city. The procurement is being managed under Northern Irish devolved regulations and aims to engage contractors capable of delivering services across three distinct lots: Main Stage, City Centre, and City-wide Programmes. Interested suppliers are encouraged to express their interest by 14th November 2025, to be considered for participation in this project focused on cultural event organisation within the Belfast region, under the procurement category of services.

This tender presents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in cultural event curation and management to contribute to a high-profile international event, thus enhancing their visibility and portfolio. Suitable candidates include small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) with expertise in designing and managing large-scale cultural programmes. Given the scope and prestige of the Fleadh, participation could bolster business growth through substantial project exposure and potential future collaborations. With a gross budget of £480,000, this contract invites capable entities to support Belfast City Council in creating an inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape during this historic programme.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

T2694 Programme Curation to support the Fringe Programme of the Fleadh Cheoil2026

Notice Description

Belfast City Council is undertaking pre-market engagement to inform the procurement of Programme Curation & Management Services for the Fringe Programme of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2026. This historic event will take place from 2nd-9th August 2026 and marks the first time the Fleadh will be hosted in Belfast. The Fringe Programme will animate the city with inclusive, creative, and celebratory events that complement the Comhaltas core programme. The Council intends to procure one or more contractors to deliver the following lots: Lot 1: Main Stage @ City Hall (Gig Rig) - Curation & Management Lot 2: City Centre Programme - Curation & Management Lot 3: City-wide Programme - Curation & Management Each lot will involve the design, delivery, and management of cultural programming aligned with the Fleadh ethos, including artist engagement, production management, accessibility measures, and community collaboration.

Planning Information

Interested suppliers are invited to submit an expression of interest by emailing the Corporate Procurement Services team at cps@belfastcity.gov.uk. Upon receipt, a brief scope of requirements document will be issued to help suppliers assess their capacity to deliver the proposed services.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d4fd
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/068863-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

79952100 - Cultural event organisation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Oct 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Jan 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jan 2026 - 10 Aug 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BELFAST CITY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BELFAST
Postcode
BT2 8DJ
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
TLN Northern Ireland
Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Belfast South and Mid Down

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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