Stage set for fleadh to attract more than 350,000 visitors

Music lovers have started to converge on Sligo for the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, which opens on Sunday and is expected to attract more than 350,000 visitors next week.

President Michael D Higgins will launch the eight-day programme on Sunday afternoon at the gig rig on Stephen Street, where guests will include US ambassador Kevin O’Malley. Before the formalities, a pageant devised by the local Cos Cos dance group will move through the town.

As work continued yesterday on the construction outside the town hall of a giant 7.6m “fringe stage” made of Irish sitka spruce, the organisers released further details of the festival, which is expected to generate up to €50 million for the region.

New events

Following the success of last year’s Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo, the chairman of the organising committee, Bartley Gavin, said a number of new events had been added to the programme this year.

“Our only worry was the weather, which is looking up today,” said Mr Gavin.

He said that a survey commissioned by Fáilte Ireland during last year’s fleadh found 95 per cent of the attendance said they would return to Sligo for this year’s event.

With accommodation practically booked out within a 30km radius, the committee has arranged several green spaces for tents and campers, with full-facility temporary camping sites opening at the retail park in Carraroe and at a number of sports facilities, including Sligo rugby club, St Mary’s GAA club and opposite the sports park on Cleveragh Road.

One of the fleadh highlights will be a concert featuring fiddle player Frankie Gavin, commemorating James Morrison, one of Sligo’s most influential fiddle players, who emigrated to New York in 1915 . Produced by musician Oisín Mac Diarmada, Transatlantic Connections: The James Morrison Story will take place next Thursday at the Knocknarea Arena in IT Sligo.

Outdoor session

Over 700 children will attend classes at Scoil Éigse, which is being directed this year by musician and broadcaster Kieran Hanrahan. Next Thursday afternoon the students will participate in a giant outdoor session at the County Hall in Riverside.

Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre Company will present The Second Coming, a collaboration between composer Michael Rooney and director Mikel Murfi.

Described as a fusion of traditional Irish music, song and dance, with aerial circus, theatre, narrative and film, it will be performed on opening night on Sunday at the Hawk’s Well Theatre at 8pm.

Throughout the week over 1,500 local volunteers will be on hand to help visitors at camping sites, competition venues, car parks, ticket offices and on the streets.