Westmeath ready for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford
Shane King
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has departed from Mullingar and is arriving to the sunny south east this week on the banks of the river Slaney in Wexford for a week of music, song and dance.
The biggest event in the traditional Irish music calendar was officially opened by President Michael D Higgins on Sunday in front of a large crowd. Festivities will continue until Monday August 12.
The theme for this year’s event is ‘a fleadh for all’, which embodies the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and diversity. It’s a celebration that warmly welcomes everyone, from seasoned attendees to first-time visitors.
The fleadh will host a significant international audience and feature a diverse lineup of 15,000 musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers from various communities across Ireland, all brought together by their love of traditional Irish music, dance and culture. With an exciting and varied programme that caters to all tastes, there’s something for everyone at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024.
A large Westmeath contingent be heading to the model county for a feast of Irish culture over the next few days.
Competitions
The competitions are at the heart of every Fleadh Cheoil, and Westmeath will be represented by 32 teams and individuals competing in music, singing and dancing. The competitors qualified following their success at the Leinster Fleadh which was held in Wicklow in July.
Competitions begin on Friday at 10am and will run throughout the weekend concluding on Sunday. The timetables for these events are available on fleadhcheoil.ie.
Gig Rig
The Gig Rig is a central part of the fleadh and is home to the best free entertainment at the week-long festival. There is a stellar line-up this year with big names such as the Blackwater céili band, Alan Finn and friends, toy show stars ‘Cuckoo’s nest’ and the piper’s cross céilí band all gracing the stage.
Westmeath musicians have been included in the line-up with numerous local talent set to entertain the thousands of visitors in Wexford. Up and coming folk band from Mullingar Some One’s Sons will be playing on Friday at 6.20pm and will be sure to get the crowd going with well-known ballads.
Co-ordinator of last year’s Gig Rig in Mullingar Leona McKenna will be joined by friends on stage at this year’s event. The group will be taking to the stage at 6.20pm on Saturday to play lively sets of tunes.
The legendary Mick Foster will also be performing on the Gig Rig stage, where he will be joined by friends to play at the prime time slot of 8m on Sunday. A large crowd is expected to gather along the quays in Wexford the final performances of the weekend.
Jam session tent
The Jam Session Tent is a new feature of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. It is an alcohol-free covered space that will facilitate young people who want to come and play together just for fun.
The event is aimed at teenagers who will be able to bring their instruments to the Wexford Home Preserves Jam Session Tent and play along with others at their level or with more experienced musicians. They can also just listen and enjoy the music being played.
Big names in the traditional music world will be leading these sessions including Keelan McGrath, Séamus agus Caoimhe Uí Flathartha, Mickey Curran, Michael Rooney, the Harvey brothers, Sarah and Ellen O’Gorman and Francis Cunningham.
Traffic plan and parking
An Garda Síochána advise Westmeath people to travel to Wexford via the M50 in Dublin and follow the yellow traffic plan route. Directions are as follows: Traffic will travel southbound to the M11, merging with the N11 at Junction 17, signposted Southbound/Wexford N11.
Traffic will continue on the M11 to Scurlocksbush Roundabout, signposted Wexford/Rosslare N11. Traffic will enter the roundabout and take the first exit and continue towards Oilgate Village.Traffic will continue on the N11 through Oilgate Village to Wexford.
Motorists will be directed to the yellow car park where a park and ride service will be in operation to the town centre.