More than 600 performers to attend Fleadh

Ireland’s biggest celebration of traditional and Celtic music is due to kick off today.

Trad fans flocked to the World Fleadh in Portlaoise on the first day of the festival which will see more than 600 musicians and entertainers perform over the weekend.

Plenty of craic and ceoil have been promised by the organisers during the festival which boasts the largest scheduled session trail in the country.

Musical highlights over the bank holiday weekend include Sharon Shannon, Mundy, Damien Dempsey, Jack L, Shane McGowan, Tommy Fleming and The Hothouse Flowers.

Other big names performing will by The Wolfe Tones, Frankie Gavin, Dessie O’Halloran, Lunasa, Seamus Begley and Jim Murray.

More than 180 volunteers from the area have been drafted in to help with in the day-to-day running of the festival, which runs to Bank Holiday Monday August 4th.

Brian Kennedy, Moya Brennan (Clannad) and Anthony Kearns, and some 200 artists, will star in a special concert on the Sunday night.

Organisers have made family and street entertainment a priority for this year’s festival, with its food market and craft fair, photography and art exhibitions, and Kiddies Korner.

Aerobatics, hot air balloon rides, street music sessions, busking competitions, on street football and basketball tournaments have also been added to the event.

PA