IT is midweek and there is plenty to keep families and the like entertained as we enter day four of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.
Scotstown CCÉ will get things started this morning on the Gig Rig in the grounds of City Hall at 11.35am, followed by a lively mix of acts, including touring group Planxty O’Rourke, Tír na nÓg Dancing Troupe and Ealta.
The midweek energy will build further this evening, with two innovative groups pushing the boundaries of traditional music. Tempest (8.45pm) and NxNW (10pm) will bring fresh arrangements, contemporary influences and dynamic performance styles. Remember - no tickets are required for the Gig Rig and there’s no need to book.
Families can also enjoy:
- The Salmon of Knowledge storytelling at Central Library, 11.30am and 3pm
- The Plantin folklore theatre experience at Central Library, times vary.
- Daily children’s seisiúns at 2 Royal Avenue, 3pm-5pm
- Children’s trad trail from Castle Place tent, 12pm-2pm
- Echos of Erin Irish dancing at Victoria Square, 12pm-4pm
- Families of Ulster recital with the Meehan Family (Armagh) at 2 Royal Avenue (1pm-2pm)
- Print your own Fleadh linocut with artist Jonathan Brennan at Vault Studios, 1pm-4pm (free)
There are also family craft activities in the tent at Castle Place, including scrap instrument making from recycled materials, 10am-12pm, as well as treats and entertainment at the Food and Drink Village at Belfast Cathedral, the ICC’s Craic and Craft Market and a whole raft of activities to explore along the Maritime Mile.
Elsewhere today, awards include the Flanagan Award, paying tribute to the great banjo players across the traditional Irish music world and acknowledging Cathal Hayden from Tyrone, as well as the Ard-Ollamh Award at City Hall, acknowledging the work of Reverend Gary Hastings for his dedication to both Irish language and music.
The Ulster Hall also hosts Ebb and Flow, a special concert exploring the role of rivers, lakes and coastlines in shaping the place we all call home, and featuring performances from Úna Monaghan, Duke Special and Ryan Vail, alongside musicians from Belfast Bands Forum, Ards CCÉ and the Ulster Orchestra and broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster (tickets £15).
Hosts Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ are reminding visitors to make use of public transport, three official Fleadh Park and Ride sites at Eikon Exhibition Centre, Giant’s Park and Belfast Harbour, as well as walking and cycling, if planning a day out in the city.
The roads directly in front of and to the sides of City Hall – Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Donegall Square East and Donegall Square West – are now closed to all traffic until the end of the event on Sunday to support people to move around safely.
Everyone should plan their journey in advance, leave extra time for travel and follow the directions of event stewards and volunteers. The latest bus and train updates are available from the Translink website – translink.co.uk/fleadh – or from the Journey Planner app.
