He was speaking following a meeting at Ards and North Down Borough Council last night (25 Feb), where both events’ proposals were finally agreed.

Cllr McCracken has said: “The Fleadh is one of the largest musical festivals on this island, potentially welcoming up to a million visitors to this region to enjoy a whole host of one of a kind musical and cultural entertainment offerings. This Fleadh fringe event in Bangor stands as an incredible opportunity to showcase our borough on the world stage, and we’re immensely glad this has finally been approved.

“That this is due to take place on the same day as an Ulster Championship Pipe Band event, with full buy-in from the organisers of both, represents how far we’ve come as a diverse, shared society, in which music and art bring us together and forge connections across cultural divides.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to drive revenue into the local economy and to give our hospitality sector a much needed boost, as well as to present Bangor as an open, inclusive, and vibrant city that celebrates musical excellence from a broad range of traditions.

“It was a shame to see progress on getting approval subjected to unnecessary stalling and delay because of the intransigence of unionist parties at council, but we are delighted to have ultimately reached agreement, and are excited to see both events go ahead.”