“It’s more than just numbers. Something else is happening here.”

The Good Morning Ulster presenter Sarah Brett made the comment in a discussion with Gerry Lennon from Visit Belfast on Wednesday morning.

My first foray to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was last Sunday.

A ‘not in service’ Glider was put into action to ensure we could avail of public transport to make it into Belfast city centre.

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We were very lucky that was the case as, by the time the bus reached the bottom of the Whiterock Road, it was no longer able to permit any new passengers to board as it was packed tighter than a tin of sardines.

Walking through Belfast city centre was a joyous experience. Music filled the air, with young and old demonstrating their talent and passion for playing traditional Irish tunes.

An entrepreneurial butcher had set up a barbecue outside his store and, donned in his red and whites, was turning heads to catch him singing whilst playing his guitar along the street.

We stumbled across the Clonduff Pipe Band, who delivered an impromptu session between Primark and McDonalds at Castle........

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