Belfast will become the first location in Northern Ireland to stage the event twice

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann have announced that Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann once more in 2027, representing the second successive year the city will stage the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.

The announcement was made in Dublin this afternoon (Saturday 7 March) after a meeting of the Ardchomhairle of Comhaltas and arrives as Belfast gears up to host the prestigious event for the first time from 2 to 9 August this year. The thrilling news means Belfast will become the first location in Northern Ireland to stage the event on two occasions, reinforcing the city’s standing as a leading destination for major cultural festivals and international gatherings.

Organised by Comhaltas alongside Belfast City Council and Ards CCÉ, the 8-day celebration of traditional music, song, dance and language is expected to attract over 800,000 visitors thanks to its distinctive blend of All-Ireland competitions, concerts, céilís and cultural programmes.

As preparations begin for a second year in Belfast, organisers have also revealed the roster of performers who will launch the 2026 event. Legendary musician Sharon Shannon and her Big Band will take centre stage outside Belfast City Hall on Sunday 2 August.

Celebrated for her electrifying performances and genre-blending collaborations, the acclaimed accordion player will kick off an energetic week in the city alongside host Comhaltas branch, Ards CCÉ. Other performers taking to the renowned Gig Rig stage for the opening ceremony will include award-winning ensemble Goitse; former All-Ireland champions, Blackwater Ceili Band; and Belfast group McPeake.

The programme will feature an array of school choirs, alongside cross-community and multi-cultural performances delivering a day of complimentary entertainment and establishing the atmosphere for a week of multi-generational shared festivities throughout the city.

The dual announcement demonstrates the growing excitement surrounding a significant two years ahead for Belfast.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Paul Doherty said: “We’re delighted our city will host the Fleadh again in 2027. It’s a tremendous honour for Belfast and underscores its status as the island’s only UNESCO City of Music. It allows us to build on 2026 and further strengthen Belfast’s position as a vibrant, inclusive city that celebrates its rich cultural heritage.

“The two-year staging will deliver substantial tourism and economic impact, supporting local businesses, hospitality providers and cultural organisations. The opportunity to welcome so many artists and visitors to our city is already bringing great excitement and will no doubt add to the atmosphere and energy of the week. We look forward to sharing everything Belfast has to offer and to celebrating together.”

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann commended the partnership with Belfast City Council and their host local branch, Ards CCÉ, highlighting that the combination of world-class international venues and specialist music hubs, distinctive street settings and robust community backing had made the choice to bring the event back to Belfast a straightforward one.

Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Director-General of Comhaltas said: “The decision to host the Fleadh in Belfast again in 2027 reflects the scale of our ambition and the strength of our partnership with Belfast City Council. With world class stages in the Waterfront and Ulster Hall, Belfast is set to elevate the amazing performances and atmosphere of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to new heights. It’s clear the warmth of welcome that awaits in Belfast will create a natural home for the event and we look forward to celebrating our 75th milestone year in the city. We appreciate the work that Belfast City Council and Ards CCÉ have put into planning 2026 and for their 2027 bid.”

Niall McClean, Chairperson of Ards CCÉ, stated: “It’s a privilege to host the event in Belfast in both 2026 and 2027. Even before the first note has been played at Fleadh 2026, we’ve seen a remarkable surge in interest in Irish traditional music, song and dance with increased enrolment in classes particularly around Belfast. The Fleadh is more than a festival, it’s a catalyst to inspire older generations to pass on their skills and for new generations to carry these timeless traditions forward. We continue to be delighted to be part of this momentous opportunity for both our organisation and for Belfast.”

Sinn Féin MLA Aisling Reilly welcomed official confirmation that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will return to Belfast for a second year.

“As preparations continue to mount for this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, it’s incredible news that it is set to return again in 2027,” she said.

“Expected to attract hundreds of thousands from across Ireland and further afield, the Fleadh will be a fantastic celebration of music, culture and language.

“As well as being an enormous social celebration, the festival will also be a significant driver for our economy.

“I look forward to the next two summers with Belfast being at the centre of celebrating all that is positive about our people, our heritage and our communities.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

A mum is facing jail after telling a ‘wicked pack of lies’ that she had been sexually assaulted by 10 men.

Stacy Sharples bragged to one of her victims she had ‘got away with it, again’ while believing police were not pressing charges against her, a court heard.

However she later admitted to falsely framing the men, none of whom were charged, including fabricating claims she had been attacked and knifed.

Sharples went to the home of her first victim, Kaylum Davies, on Boxing Day 2013, Bolton Crown Court heard.

Despite reports suggesting the mother was quiet and said nothing to Mr Davies, she phoned her brother after leaving his house claiming she was in danger and had been forced to perform a sex act.

Mr Davies denied all the claims but spent 18 months on bail. He was not charged amid concerns over inconsistencies in Sharples’ story.

Sharples also claimed to have been raped by James Blundell at a hostel in Burnage, south Manchester, the MEN reported.

After spending 17 hours in custody, Mr Blundell was released while an investigation into his conduct lasted for six months.

Sharples claimed her third victim, Astron Inman, had raped her after the two had consensual sex.

The pair had met in 2018 when Sharples added Mr Inman to a Facebook chat and sent him a picture of herself topless, saying she would like to join him for a shower.

After going to his home, she reported to police she had been violently assaulted by her ‘partner’.

Another victim, Andrew Dearden, met Sharples outside a Cash Generator store to help her sell her TV.

Sharples entered the store and phoned police to falsely allege Mr Dearden had raped her the previous night.

On another occasion, the mother met a cleared victim Reece Lockett outside a fish and chip shop, before dialling 999 saying ‘there’s a guy I got done for rape a while ago threatening to kill me’.

When he told her police were investigating her false allegations, she boasted: ‘They’re not pressing charges. I’ve got away with it. Yet again.’

Anthony Green, another victim, was falsely accused by Sharples of having ‘hurt, bitten and strangled’ her.

Sharples declined on several occasions to comply with police investigations, including refusing to be interviewed or undergo a medical examination.

After being arrested, she claimed to have emotionally unstable personality disorder, telling officers: ‘You need to look into my mental health. That’s all I need to say. You’ll never understand, I had a s*** upbringing.’

One of Sharples’ victims said in an impact statement that he had moved to Sweden to ‘reevaluate’ his life and hoped she ‘gets what she deserves’, adding he was ‘sick to my core’.

Another man falsely accused by Sharples said he had considered taking his own life, while another defendant branded her a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’.

Mark Monaghan, prosecuting, said that Sharples’ lies had cost the taxpayer as much as £120,000.

Sharples had faced 19 counts of perverting the course of justice, but only 10 proceeded to court as she had already admitted to a sufficient number to ‘reflect her overall criminality’.

Judge Nicholas Clarke KC, convicting Sharples, said she was a ‘sexual predator’ who had taken up resources that could have been used to pursue genuine criminals.

‘Only belatedly by her pleas has she now acknowledged that it was all a wicked pack of lies’, he said.

Judge Clarke added: ‘I want to make it clear to anybody that reads anything about their names anywhere, that these men’s lives have been blighted by unfortunate allegations which have been made involving some sort of sexual offending, none of which are true at all.’

Defending Sharples, Hunter Gray conceded there was no ‘satisfactory explanation’ for her false allegations, adding that a custodial sentence was inevitable.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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The awards are also known as the ‘Rural Oscars’

Two businesses in Cambridgeshire have been nominated for a prestigious award. The Countryside Alliance Awards, also known as the ‘Rural Oscars’ have returned for its 19th year and has revealed the “very best” businesses across the East of England that have been shortlisted.

There are five different categories and the businesses are judges on a range of criteria including their passion and commitment, sense of community, championing local produce, and the energy and diversity of their business. The vote is now open to the public to help support their favourite business and help them win their category and reach the next stage.

The Longhorn Farm Shop, which can be found just outside of Cottenham, has been nominated for the best for local food and drink. The family-run business is known for providing “a wide variety of high-quality products” including meat items such as traditional Longhorn beef that is sourced from the Brookfield Herd at the Cuckoo Hill Farm.

Alongside its butchers, there is also a shop that sells sweet treats, sauces, fresh fruit, and juices as well as ready meals that are prepared on-site. After shopping around, you can visit the Coffee Hut for a hot drink and homemade cake while enjoying the views of the countryside.

The Elton Village Store is up for the best village store or post office award. Found on Middle Street in the quaint village of Elton, the store has already won the award before in 2023.

The store offers a range of essential items for those living in the village including fresh bread and butchers quality meat. The shop also stocks plenty of vegan and gluten free products as well as fruit and vegetables from the local area.

Sarah Lee, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the Countryside Alliance, said: “Once more, we have been blown away by the number of nominations this year. So many amazing businesses have been sent in by the public. Every business has an important story to tell – it’s so important that they are recognised. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses, and not just their produce or services. At this critical time for so many rural businesses, it is vital we all show our support in whatever way we can. We encourage as many people as possible to get voting. When you have voted, please share the link with friends and families.”

To vote for your favourite businesses that have been shortlisted, you can visit the Countryside Alliance website.

It has been a week of war in the Middle East, sparked by the US and Israel launching strikes on Iran.

But the US-Iran rivalry didn’t start then – it has been a fractious relationship for decades, spanning several US presidents.

In our latest episode of Sky News Explains, Olive Enokido-Lineham looks at the key moments in US-Iran history, examines the complicated geopolitics of the region, and tries to find out how it could all end.

Watch the full episode at the top of this article.

Before re-launching Sky News Explains, Olive specialised in verification and open-source investigations (OSINT). Her stories include investigations into the war in Gaza, to verifying videos from Ukraine and Syria.

Olive also produced the Sky News documentary Escaping Putin, which follows a Russian soldier who fled from the army.

Jen Carney is the author of acclaimed series such as ‘The Accidental Diary of B.U.G’ and ‘The Day My…’, which includes titles like ‘The Day My Dog Got Famous’ and ‘The Day My School Got Famous’.  

Jen, who is originally from Bolton, returned to her hometown last week (February 28) to talk to children about her books, reading, and of course, play a few fun games.

The talk was held at Bolton Central Library in the town centre.

Jen delivering the talk (Image: Newsquest)

She told the children how she used to come to the library “lots” when she was younger, discovering different authors and worlds, as well as staring in awe at the wonderful fish in the aquarium.

Jen then ran a couple of games for children to participate in, including making words out of their initials and others.

She said: “I think if you can catch somebody at this age group, around seven to eight, and get them really interested in books and reading, you can start a habit you have for life, which is a really important thing to do.

“When you read for pleasure as a child, there are really positive long-term effects.

A Bolton children’s author spoke about the importance of reading (Image: Newsquest)

“I grew up in Heaton and went to St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School. Heaton Library was around the corner.

“[Bolton Central Library] was a special trip to the big library. I used to absolutely love going; they are really special memories.”

To learn more about Jen and her books, see her website: https://jen-carney.com/

The former teacher added that, because her family didn’t have much money growing up, it was a great source of free entertainment, with “new stories every week”.

Reflecting on the talk, Jen said: “I think it went really, really well. There were lots of people here, families, and people came from different areas, not just from Bolton.

“It is really nice to see people here.”

Scott Brassell faced a trial listed for up to three days at Durham Crown Court this week.

The 44-year-old defendant, of James Court, previously denied charges of unlawful wounding of a man and the alternative of wounding with intent.

He also denied making knife threats to the man and a woman, in Porter Close, Newton Aycliffe, on the same day, Wednesday June 5, 2024.

Formal ‘not guilty’ verdicts recorded at Durham Crown Court in case of Darlington man accused of wounding and knife threat charges (Image: The Northern Echo)

But when the case was called into court, Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said the Crown’s only witness failed to attend court as far back as March, last year.

He said the last time the witness was seen was in April last year when he made a retraction statement relating to the original allegation, after which contact was lost, as the Crown only has an old address.

Mr Dodds said the Crown do not now know where the witness is and so the case has been reviewed.

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

He added that he has now been instructed to offer “no evidence” on all three counts.

Judge Nathan Adams, therefore, recorded formal “not guilty” verdicts on each of the three charges.

He told the defendant: “The Crown is not in a position to bring evidence and, so, not guilty verdicts will be recorded in this matter.”

The Scottish rockers will top the bill on the opening day of BishFest, staged by Bishop Auckland FC, in July.

They have been brought in as an equally big-name replacement for Bad Manners, who have had to pull out of all planned performances this year due to illness suffered by larger-than-life front man Buster Bloodvessel.

He collapsed on stage during a performance in Perugia, Italy, and was rushed into hospital last week amid concerns for his long-term health.

While wishing Buster a speedy recovery, BishFest director, Steve Coulthard, the chairman of Bishop Auckland FC, said they moved quickly to fill the headline spot at the new festival.

Bic Country have been announced as the new healine act on the first day of the new BishFest music festival in Bishop Auckland in July (Image: BishFest)

The festival website announced the replacements, stating: “Big Country bring their unmistakable anthemic rock sound to BishFest, delivering the soaring guitars and powerful choruses that made them one of the UK’s most distinctive bands.

BishFest promo for the new summer music festival at the home of Bishop Auckland FC (Image: BishFest)

“With a catalogue packed full of classic hits and festival-ready favourites, their live show combines energy, atmosphere and sing-along moments in equal measure.

Read next … more culture and entertainment stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

“Expect a headline set built for big crowds and even bigger memories.”

They will be among 14 bands performing over the weekend of July 11/12 at the new festival, staged at the club’s Heritage Park stadium, just off the A688 in the town.

Further details of the rest of the line-up and ticket prices, including an “early bird” offer, can be found via: – www.bishfest.co.uk, the festival website.

The new malware is called ZeroDayRAT and it combines “real-time surveillance with direct financial theft within a single browser panel”.

“ZeroDayRAT is a toolkit that goes beyond classic data theft, aiming to compromise the target’s digital and physical life,” Cyberthint explains.

“Attackers purchase this service via Telegram and attempt to install an APK (Android) or Payload (iOS) onto the victim’s device.”

ZeroDayRAT – Mobile Espionage and Financial Theft Platform

As the Cyberthint research team, we analyzed a new mobile threat called ZeroDayRAT, which is being marketed in the Telegram underworld and claims to target both Android and iOS devices with a 1-click attack.

🔍 Key… pic.twitter.com/YlpA7VYTnU

— Cyberthint (@cyberthint) February 17, 2026

How the ZeroDayRAT malware works

The most common way Android and iOS devices are infected with the ZeroDayRAT malware is via Smishing (SMS Phishing) attacks, according to Cyberthint.

The cyber threat experts continue: “Victims are sent fake links that appear to be from legitimate applications or updates.”

Once the victim clicks on this fake link, the malware is installed, and it allows hackers access to:

• Device model, battery status, carrier information
• Most frequently used apps and activity timeline
• Call and SMS history
• Cameras and microphone
• Live location

The software is also designed for financial gain, giving hackers the ability to infiltrate banking and payment systems. It allows:

• Crypto Wallet stealing – it scans wallet applications like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Binance, and Coinbase. Using Clipboard Injection techniques, the attacker replaces the user’s wallet address with their own, redirecting transfers to themselves.
• Access to banking and payment systems – it steals login credentials by performing Overlay attacks on Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and local payment systems.
• OTP bypassing – it captures one-time passwords from banks in real-time via SMS access.

How to avoid contracting malware on your Android or iOS device

To avoid contracting ZeroDayRAT or other malware on your device, the experts at Cyberthint have shared some helpful tips:

• Never click on links in SMS messages, WhatsApp messages, or emails from unknown numbers.
• Use authenticator apps or hardware keys instead of SMS-based two-factor authentication for increased account security.
• Check your device regularly for anomalies such as sudden increases in battery drain, excessive data usage, or screens turning on spontaneously (all could be signs of spyware).

Have you been targeted by ZeroDayRAT or other malware? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

But in the wake of the president’s apology, Iran’s ambassador to the UK agreed to our request to speak to him, and even more unusually, invited us to speak to him in Iran’s embassy in London, a building that tells the story of the fraught and troubled history between Iran and the West.

The property is entered via a porch that leads into the flagstone-floored hallway, off which is the sitting room with an open cast-iron fireplace with timber surround and granite hearth, plus an understairs cupboard.

Open cast-iron fireplace with timber surround and granite hearth (Image: GSC Grays)

Glazed double doors open from the sitting room into the breakfast kitchen, which is home to a comprehensive range of fitted units with granite worktops, integrated appliances, including a wine chiller, a Belfast sink, a central butcher-block-topped island which incorporates a motorised pop-up socket with wireless and USB charging, and tiled floors with underfloor heating.

Patio doors open from the dining area adjoining the kitchen into the rear garden.

Kitchen: Granite-topped units, butcher-block island, wine chiller, and patio doors to garden. (Image: GSC Grays)

Off the kitchen is a utility room and cloakroom, as well as the living room (also accessed from the hall) with exposed floorboards and a brick fireplace with inset solid fuel stove.

Upstairs are a stylish family bathroom with a freestanding bath, a large walk-in shower and built-in units with a granite worktop, plus four bedrooms, which include the master with an en-suite shower room.

Dining room (Image: GSC Grays)

The second bedroom features a door leading to a staircase up to the loft, which offers an ideal space for additional storage or could be used as a hobby room or home office.

Rose Cottage sits in gardens laid mainly to lawn, with a patio to the rear, a gravelled area providing off-street parking, and a garage and workshop with a 7kW EV charger.

Freestanding bath, walk-in shower, and built-in granite-topped units. (Image: GSC Grays)

PROPERTY FACTS

Rose Cottage, Stainton Village

Guide price: £435,000

GSC Grays

01833 637000

www.gscgrays.co.uk

Double room with en-suite shower. (Image: GSC Grays)

(Image: GSC Grays)