Celtic Media Festival Announces Belfast as Host City for 2026 Summit
Date Posted: August 27, 2025
2- 4 June 2026
The Celtic Media Festival, the International Summit of Sound and Screen, has today announced that its 2026 edition will be held in Belfast, from the 2nd of June to the 4th of June 2026. The prestigious media industry conference, which celebrates broadcasting and film talent from the Celtic nations and regions, will bring together creatives and decision- makers from across the globe for three days of panel sessions, seminars, masterclasses, and the highly anticipated Torc Awards for Excellence.
The Festival attracts the biggest names in broadcasting from the UK, Ireland and wider Europe will attend the 47th Celtic Media Festival. The choice of Belfast for 2026 reflects the city’s vibrant and growing media industry and its strong cultural connections to the wider Celtic world, with support from BBC Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and Visit Belfast.
Catriona Logan, Celtic Media Festival Director says:
“We are thrilled to announce Belfast as host city for the Celtic Media Festival in 2026. This festival serves as a vital platform for the media industry, showcasing innovative storytelling and creative excellence from across the Celtic nations. Belfast, with its thriving media landscape and commitment to cultural production, is the ideal location for us to gather industry leaders, emerging talent, and creative minds. We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions, sharing insights, and celebrating the diverse voices that shape our media landscape. Together, we will explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth within our industry.”
Adam Smyth, Director, BBC Northern Ireland says:
“We’re delighted that the Celtic Media Festival is coming back to Northern Ireland. It’s an opportunity to showcase and celebrate
creative talent and to bring people from across the broadcast industry together. The Festival is about making connections, building relationships and learning from each other. It will also allow us to highlight the many great things that are happening within our local creative
sector and the BBC’s vital role in helping to unlock its potential.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, says:
“We are delighted that the 2026 Celtic Media Festival is coming to Belfast. The Festival is a world-class platform for sharing our Celtic voices through film, television, radio and digital media. Hosting it allows us to celebrate our vibrant cultural heritage while extending a warm invitation to the Celtic nations and beyond to collaborate and connect. We look forward to working with our partners to make the Festival a resounding success—showcasing not only the richness of Celtic cultures but also the talent, ambition and spirit of Northern Ireland.”
Deborah Collins, Head of Business Events Visit Belfast says:
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome the Celtic Media Festival to Belfast in 2026. This is a unique and vibrant celebration of storytelling, culture and creativity across the Celtic nations and beyond. Hosting the festival here is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city’s talent, heritage and hospitality to an international audience. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the Celtic world—and further afield—for what promises to be an inspiring and inclusive event.”
The Celtic Media Festival is attended by producers, directors, broadcasters, and journalists from all over the Celtic Nations and beyond, with a presence from countries including Italy, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and China.
