We can’t wait! Peace Park to host concerts for FleadhFest

FLEADHFEST, an online festival based on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, was formally launched at the Peace Park this week.

The public area, between Sligo Cathedral and the Hawk’s Well Theatre, will be the central location for the festival next month where a gig rig will be set up to provide concerts with traditional music acts which include Dervish, Téada, Moxie, the Knocknashee Céilí Band and the Mairtin O’Connor Trio.

FleadhFest – which will feature a blend of outdoor and virtual events – was launched by the minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin, who joined via video link from Dublin, stating that she is “delighted that Comhaltas and Sligo have come together to develop Fleadhfest as a way to bring joy to people’s lives and to share our stories and our music”. Cllr Paul Taylor, cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, was at the launch. He said: “I think that the Peace Park will be the perfect location for the concerts at

FleadhFest. Along with so many people, I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing live performances again.

“It’s a wonderful initiative, and I wish the FleadhFest team the very best in the work that remains ahead of the event next month.”

Dervish vocalist Cathy Jordan commented on the launch of the unique iteration of the famous annual festival. She said: “It’s a brilliant opportunity for all of the musicians involved. After so many months of inactivity, or playing music through Zoom, to actually get out on stage and play and sing again, it will be a real musical highlight. I know I speak for all of the bands when I say that we can’t wait.”

Bartley Gavin, chair of Fleadhfest, confirmed at the launch that all concerts will be streamed online and free to anyone who wishes to tune in from across the world.

“All of the concerts will be streamed online and will be free to anyone who wants to watch worldwide.

“In addition, Covid-19 regulations also mean that a number of people will also be allowed to attend in person, tickets are available on the FleadhFest website.”

Acting chief executive of Sligo County Council Thomas Kilfeather said he sees FleadhFest as a great opportunity to showcase Sligo to international audiences. He said: “Sligo County Council are fully supportive of this great endeavor. “Throughout the performances – which I understand will also include virtual sessions and online competitions – Sligo’s scenery and tourism product will be heavily featured.

“At a time where visitor numbers have been restricted, we see Fleadhfest as a chance to profile the county in a really innovative way, and we’re excited by the prospect of reaching new future visitors to the county.” Sligo previously hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 1989 to 1991 and again in 2014 and 2015. Sligo is also the first county to host Fleadhfest as no festival of any kind was held in 2020.

Ard stiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Labhrás Ó Murchú said he believes this is a very important year for Comhaltas, as it is the 70th anniversary of the very first Fleadh in Mullingar.

He said: “The image we have of the Fleadh in normal times is of thronged streets, music sessions everywhere and people from far and wide converging on the host town.

“Because of Covid, this year has to be different. But I can’t wait to see what Sligo can produce.

“The people of this county have done marvellous work in previous years at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Bringing our music to the world via live streaming will be a great opportunity to reach out places where traditional Irish music is enjoyed and played, from Japan to the United States, Australia to Germany, displaying unity through our music.”

Those positive sentiments were also echoed by Mairtín Enright, chair of the Sligo County Board of Comhaltas. He said: “Music is our way of connecting with the Irish overseas, and also with many others who have formed a connection with our country through our culture.

“We hope that by bringing this feast of music to them, we’ll be able to welcome them back in person to next year’s Fleadh Cheoil, when it returns to Mullingar.”

FleadhFest takes place over nine days starting on Sunday, August 1. Streaming and tickets are all available through FleadhFest.ie. Musicians interested in contributing a recorded piece of music as part of the programme can also do so by visiting the website. FleadhFest will conclude on Monday, August 9.

LEFT: Peter Farrell at the launch.