First in 'Homecoming' fleadh series airs on TV tonight

The popular Fleadh Cheoil series will return to TV screens tonight, Friday February 10, showcasing the best of Irish traditional music from the 2022 edition in Mullingar.

It's called ‘The Homecoming’ as the first fleadh was in Mullingar in 1951 and Comhaltas was founded here.

Hosted by John Creedon and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, the series captures the craic, colour and ceol of Ireland’s biggest traditional music festival and is on RTÉ One at 8.30pm.

Across six episodes we will take viewers on a ramble through Mullingar, enjoying the street sessions and getting fully immersed in what Fleadh Cheoil is about.

John meets many musicians, who are friends at this stage, and enjoys soaking up everything that is unique about Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

The campsite sessions return too, as Muireann welcomes some of the younger musicians, including Conor Arkins and Kevin Meehan, along with the Gradam Ceoil bursary recipients Brendan Kerr, Sinéad Stockman and Sorcha McKenna to share tunes at the fleadh campsite.

The series will also showcase top class musicians, locally and internationally renowned, as they play in the crowds of Mullingar.

Also, the pride of parents is apparent as children and adults take part in Scoil Éigse and the many competitions that make up Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Visitors and residents are joined by colourful characters enjoying spontaneous music sessions in the August sunshine reflecting the beauty of Mullingar.

Guests include Sharon Shannon, Mick Foster, Trad on the Prom, the Browne Brothers, Fuinneamh, Angelina Carberry and Dan Brouder, Joe Connaire, Breaking Trad, Sharon Howley and Briste.

Musicians from the USA and Europe add an international flavor to proceedings while the series also follows the Taobh na Mara through the Céilí Band competition.

• The series is a Red Shoe Production for RTÉ.

• Fleadh Cheoil, RTÉ One, starting February 10th at 20.30.