@DERRY2013 HOSTS WORLD’S BIGGEST FESTIVAL OF IRISH CULTURE

Summer celebrations at the Fleadh Cheoil

ANYONE thinking of taking a trip to Derry this summer should consider planning their trip for August to coincide with the hotly anticipated Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which will run across various venues in the UK City of Culture 2013 from August 11 – 18.

The week-long event is described as the biggest festival of Irish culture anywhere in the world and this year’s event is of particular historical significance as it takes place in Northern Ireland for the first time since its foundation in 1951.

The massive celebration includes traditional music sessions, fun-days, pageants, marching bands, competitions, ceili bands, drama and arts exhibitions and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging everyone to get their culture heads on, don their dancing shoes  and make the most of this jam-packed summer event.

NITB Market Manager (ROI) Fiona Cunningham believes the choice of events offers something for all tastes and all ages.

“Visitors from across the world will flock to the Maiden City for this, the largest Irish Culture celebration of its kind,” said Fiona.

“From unique dance shows and performances by big names from the Celtic music world to CD launches, art exhibitions and craft fairs the Fleadh Cheoil promises a fantastic, packed programme of world class events this August,” Fiona added.

Highlights performances from the festival’s line-up include;

Take the Floor featuring Beoga on Tuesday August 13 is a performance in association with Riverdance and promises to be a dance show unlike any other, boasting the largest cast of Irish dancers in the world.  This brand new departure in live entertainment will not only astound and inspire audiences with examples of what can be created when like-minded people put their passions and creativity into practice.   Sixty of the world’s leading Irish dancers, one of the most sought after traditional bands of our time, Beoga, and a dream creative team will present you a totally unique and original show.

The Highlands and Islands concert on Wednesday August 14 will include one of Scottish music’s traditional singing dynasties, the Campbells of Greepe.  Their music originates in the Isle of Skye, and they have a rich repertoire that includes many ‘puirt a beul’ pieces that have become popular with many leading artists.  John Sikorski will also perform with them, demonstrating his unique brand of progressive sean nós dancing to their mouth music.  Also appearing is the award-winning Scottish duo Marit Falt & Rona Wilkie

, treating audiences to brand new Scottish folk music augmented by a string quartet.

The highly anticipated the Poet and the Piper event takes place on Wednesday August 14.  Derry’s own Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney joins master uilleann piper Liam O’Flynn in an exclusive performance of ‘The Poet and the Piper’.

Audiences from around the world have enjoyed this intimate presentation that weaves the iconic poetry of Seamus Heaney with traditional and contemporary music performed by Liam O’Flynn.  Originally released as an album in 2003, The Poet and the Piper was designed to echo W.B. Yeats’ St Patrick’s Day reading of poetry with music in 1934.

Across the Atlantic on Thursday August 15 presents a line-up of North American acts, including Liz Carroll, accompanied by Sean Óg Graham and Trevor Hutchinson.  Tim Eriksen from New England will perform songs from his unique repertoire, which is heavily influenced by bluegrass, American spiritual music and Irish traditional songbook.  Troy McGillivray from Nova Scotia will also feature in the concert alongside Andrea Beaton and Matt MacIsaac, shining a light on the distinctive Cape Breton fiddle and piano accompaniment styles.

Also taking place on Thursday August 15 is the fabulous Cara Dillon and the Orchestra of Ireland. Cara is a native of Co. Derry and she won the All-Ireland Traditional Singing Trophy aged 12.  Her last album, Hill Of Thieves, won Album of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and the title track was voted among Northern Ireland’s all-time top 10 original songs by BBC Radio Ulster listeners in 2012.  She will be accompanied by the Orchestra of Ireland, a 33-strong gathering of Ireland’s most talented classical musicians, who will breathe new life into a selection of her best-loved songs with breathtaking orchestral arrangements. This will be a memorable homecoming concert for one of Ireland’s leading traditional singers.

Dervish are one of the most sought-after acts in Irish folk music and will play as part of Fleadh Cheoil on Friday August 16.  They are renowned for their powerful, energetic dance tunes and magnificent interpretations of Irish songs and airs.  This is all interwoven with Cathy Jordan’s beguiling voice and engaging stage presence.  The Sligo band has released a new album this year, The Thrush in the Storm, which will be showcased at the festival. 

The flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into the breathtaking sound of the groundbreaking bandFlook on Saturday August 17.  This group possesses a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.  At 18 Liz Carroll took the Celtic music world by storm when she won the Senior All-Ireland Championship, and, armed with her fiddle, has been amazing audiences around the globe ever since.  She is also a winner of the NEA National Heritage award, and an Irish Echo Traditional Artist of the Year. At this year’s festival she will be joined by Trevor Hutchinson and Séan Óg Graham.

A range of accommodation options are available in Derry and for all accommodation enquiries, including availability, contact Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau (DVCB) on 048 7126 3511.

To find out more about the events in Northern Ireland or for further information on places to stay or things to see and do in Northern Ireland contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board  www.discovernorthernireland.com