05/04/2004

World Irish Dancing Championship commences in Belfast

Around 12,000 people are set to diverge on Belfast this week as the World Irish Dancing Championship takes place in the city.

The eight-day event, which began at the Waterfront Hall on Sunday, will see almost 4,000 competitors from across the world compete in different age groups.

Andersonstown man, Dan Armstrong, who is one of the judges at the festival, said the event would bring millions of pounds into the local economy.

"There's not a hotel bed to be had in Belfast, and you can see queues at restaurants all over the city," he said.

To earn the right to dance in the championships, entrants first had to come through 28 international qualifying events.

Tickets for the championship can only be purchased on the day of the event at the Waterfront Hall.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 September 2008
Top NI Motorsport Event Offers Sponsorship Opportunity
The future of an award-winning sporting event is hanging in the balance this week with news that a local council is no longer able to host the prestigious event - but has also opened the way for the chance of a major marketing spectacular for a new host or sponsor to take-up.
02 March 2004
Belfast to host World Irish Dancing Championships
Belfast is set to host the 34th World Irish Dancing Championships - Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne - in April. The event, which is being staged at the Waterfront Hall and was last staged in the city in 2000, is expected to attract more than 4,000 dancers to compete in 35 competitions over eight days, from April 4-11.
01 November 2024
Belfast Claims UK's Best Event Destination
Visit Belfast, the city region's destination marketing organisation, has scooped 'Best Event Destination UK' at this year's Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) awards in London.
02 July 2001
McWILLIAMS SECURES FIRST GRAND PRIX VICTORY
NORTHERN Ireland's Jeremy McWilliams has won his first ever Grand Prix after a nine-year wait. The Newtownabbey rider was victorious during Saturday’s world championship race in Holland after dominating the 250cc GP to secure first place for the MS Aprilia team.
05 April 2019
Belfast Event Grant Opens To Applications
A funding package of £200,000 has been launched for the Belfast City Centre Event Grant Scheme with applications encouraged. The Department for Communities scheme will support arts, cultural and community based events and activities taking place in the city centre between April 2019 and March 2020.