Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / ENTERTAINMENT
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Entertainment Contents:  Arts & Culture

Monday, 6 August 2007, 17:20 GMT 18:20 UK

Irish festival welcomes top bands

Katie Melua Katie Melua, the Proclaimers and Deacon Blue are three of the bands entertaining the crowds at The World Fleadh music festival in Ireland.

The seven-day international event, which showcases the best of Irish and Celtic music, began on Monday.

More than 640 musicians are performing in the specially-designed village in Portlaoise, County Laois.

Masterclasses and demonstrations in traditional music, song and dance are also being provided by top musicians.

In addition, the festival - in its second year - is hosting international competitions in music, song and dance.

A 1,500-seat dome and a 5,000 capacity outdoor area have been set up to accommodate the crowds. In total, 210 events will take place in 20 different venues in Portlaoise.

Folk group Flook Katie Melua is headlining the Fleadh - which means festival in Gaelic and is pronounced "flah" - on Sunday, the final day, when The Proclaimers will also play.

Deacon Blue, whose hits include Real Gone Kid, are performing on Saturday 11 August.

Festival director Eric Cunningham said: "With the announcement of this year's line-up we are delighted to restate our belief that by blending top international acts with the immense Irish talent, we will introduce a whole new audience to the joys and wonders of Irish and Celtic music."

An estimated 50,000 people attended the inaugural World Fleadh was held in Ballybunion, County Kerry, in 2006.



E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Dylan tops London Fleadh festival (05 Apr 04 |  Entertainment )
'Lack of Irish stars' claims festival (02 Jun 03 |  Entertainment )
A field which is forever Ireland (18 Jun 01 |  Entertainment )
Festival spirit at sodden Fleadh (16 Jun 01 |  Entertainment )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
World Fleadh
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Entertainment Contents:  Arts & Culture

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©