Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the biggest celebration of Irish culture anywhere in the world, will arrive in Derry~Londonderry from 11 – 18 August. Organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, this will be an event of truly historical significance with the Fleadh taking place north of the border for the first time since its foundation in 1951.
Derry~Londonderry will be transformed into one spectacular performance space, with music echoing from every street and alley as the city becomes a Mecca for the cream of traditional talent. Over the course of eight days the city will play host to thousands of musicians and 300,000 visitors as traditional music takes over the city with street sessions, fun-days, pageants, marching bands, competitions, céilí bands, concerts and singing.
As a key element of The Gathering, Fleadh 2013 will have a particular focus on bringing together the wider Celtic family and on the promotion of the Irish language. Seachtain na Gaeilge will feature the biggest collection of Irish language concerts and events ever hosted during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
The Fleadh has been described as the “olympics of traditional music” with competitors travelling from across the world to compete in various categories with the hope of achieving a coveted All Ireland medal.
Competitions
16 – 18 August 2013
The Fleadh competitions will be held in venues throughout the city and attract approximately 20,000 competitors at the very highest standard in Irish music, song, dance and language.
Scoil Éigse
12 – 15 August 2013
Scoil Éigse provides the perfect opportunity to learn from the best. This is an international summer school which takes place during Fleadh week and a team of tutors who are master performers in their field provide intense tuition over four days for 800 participants. There is no age limit at Scoil Éigse and certainly no generation gap. Enthusiasm knows no age barriers and whether you are keen on learning sets or making a comeback on the accordion you will find fellow pupils to join you in a session, to exchange tunes, songs or steps.
