Dancers set to leave city reeling

More than half of the competitors at this year's event will be from outside Ireland

Thousands of dancers are set to take to the stage in Belfast as the World Irish Dancing Championships return to the city for the fourth time.

The competition, which runs for eight days, will take place in the Waterfront Hall.

About 4,000 of the best of international and local talent are taking part in the 38th Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, which runs from 23-30 March.

More than 2,000 solo competitors and 2,000 team dancers will participate in 35 competitions.

The dancers, aged from under 11s to 21 years and above, qualified at regional and national events.

The competitions were held in Ireland, Britain, mainland Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

More than half of the competitors at this year's event will be from outside Ireland.

Deputy Lord Mayor Bernie Kelly said when the championships last came to the city in 2006, it was the biggest event in its history.

"We are looking forward to repeating that success, by hosting a competition that is bigger and better than ever before - and especially to our own dancers not only competing with the best in the world, but once again keeping many titles at home," she said.