Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013 set for Derry

Derry beat off stiff competition yesterday from Sligo to land the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013. It will be the first time in its 60-year history that the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann showpiece has been staged in the North.
“Comhaltas has kept traditional music and culture alive in Ireland and across the world,” reflects Derry City Branch Chairperson Eibhlín Ní Dhochartaigh. “The organisation has developed this world-renowned festival, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is the biggest celebration of that culture. Here in the North of Ireland we have worked hard to keep the tradition alive when it was not easy to do so. We believe that it is the right time to celebrate that hard work and bring the Fleadh to Derry.”
Supported by the likes of First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and John Hume, the successful Fleadh bid will be worth an estimated €40 million to Derry, which is also the 2013 UK City of Culture. In addition to the competition side of things, there will also be some major gigs with Van Morrison among those who’ve played in the past.