300,000 people – over 20,000 of them musicians – will be flooding in to Derry from August 11 – 18 as for the first time in its history Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann ventures north of the border.
Part of the City of Culture celebrations, the programme includes such major names as Seamus Heaney and Liam Flynn who’ll be joining forces under The Poet And The Piper banner, Grammy award-winner Tim O’Brien, Arty McGlynn, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, Declan O’Rourke, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Jarlath Henderson, Capercaillie’s Donald Shaw, Solas’ John Doyle, Cara Dillon, Dervish, Danny Thompson and James Mackintosh.
The Fleadh – or the ‘Trad Olympics’ as it’s been referred to – also represents the highest
level of competition for traditional performers. Competitions range from instruments like the fiddle, uilleann pipes and tin whistle to sean-nós dancing and Irish singing. Winners will be invited to perform live at the festival with the ceili band victors providing entertainment at the closing ceremony in Ebrington Square.
Another likely highlight is Take To The Floor, the latest dance extravaganza from the people behind Riverdance.
“Once again the eyes of the world are on Derry for all the right reasons,” enthuses Fleadh and Comhaltas Dhoire Chairperson, Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh. “Our events team have pulled out the stops to secure the very best musicians in the world for this historic Fleadh and we can’t wait to show people the full programme. We are particularly delighted to be able to share the news that the Transatlantic Fleadh in association with Celtic Connections will join the wonderful artists we already have. We would like to invite the people of the city to join in the party and in making our visitors from all over the world feel welcome.”
Find out more [link]www.fleadhcheoil.ie[/link].