G Callaghan

Over 1.6 million people recorded by Belfast One BID footfall cameras during Fleadh NEW: Over 1.6 million people recorded by Belfast One BID footfall cameras during Fleadh   Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One Business Improvement District, has released the final figures recorded by the organisation’s footfall cameras in Belfast City Centre during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.   “This has been a week like no other for Belfast and has once again put our city firmly on the international stage.   “Footfall across the Belfast One BID area reached 1,653,999 from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August, with Saturday 8 August recording the busiest day of the year to date with 289,560 visitors, which speaks volumes about the strength and appeal of our city centre.   “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.”   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.