Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann: Belfast’s Fleadh officially kicks off with First Minister Michelle O’Neill backing a “universality” message, while organisers promise 200+ events and 800,000 visitors across Aug 2–9, including a cross-community opening performance outside City Hall. UK Debut Spotlight: Limerick soprano Eve Stafford lands her UK debut Aug 8 in Hersham, Surrey, performing her Songbird show with a rediscovered distant cousin, pianist Robert Stafford. Late-Night Licensing: Birmingham’s Manahatta has applied to extend trading and entertainment hours to 3am daily, including later alcohol sales and updated security/last-entry rules. Festival Tragedy: Kendal Calling in Cumbria mourns the death of a 17-year-old after a medical episode; police are appealing for witnesses near the Calling Out tent and Big Wheel around 2am. AI Backlash in Pop: Charli XCX faces a “creative line” row over AI-assisted processing on track “No One Lasts Forever” from her album Music, Fashion, Film. Singapore Ban: Massive Attack members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall are barred from re-entering Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag and chanting “Free Palestine” at a July 29 concert. Live Music & Cities: Glasgow’s Ashton Lane street party returns Aug 29–30 with road closures, while Piping Live! 2026 brings further city centre shutdowns Aug 6–14. Pop Moment: Madonna and Kylie Minogue reunite for a surprise WorldPride Amsterdam performance, teaming up on “Love Sensation.” New Music Radar: Mixmag rounds up fresh releases including JAZZWRLD’s Secrets of The WRLD and Adam Freeland’s Marine Parade EP Transhuman.