The annual all-ireland Fleadh attracts 300,000 people to its host region and brings an estimated economic benefit of £34 million.
On Saturday (28 January), Londonderry beat competition from Irish towns Ennis and Sligo to stage the event. The festival will be held in Derry, when it will also be the UK City of Culture.
Alderman Maurice Devenney, mayor of Londonderry, said the win was "a tremendous coup" for the city. "The all-Ireland Fleadh is a huge event for the city and region as we prepare for the UK City of Culture in 2013. The decision to support our bid is great news for everyone involved in promoting the city," he said.
Organiser Comhaltas told Event the city's bid was at risk due to concerns that dissident republicans could target the event. These concerns were addressed by Comhaltas and the police, and Londonderry’s proposal was then endorsed.
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