FleadhFest Luimnigh 2021

Limerick County Board are excited to bring you FleadhFest Luimnigh 2021. FleadhFest is a programme that will reflect the story and the legacy of traditional Irish music, song, dance and language of County Limerick. This pre-recorded programme provides an opportunity for the branches of county Limerick to introduce aspects of the rich cultural legacy of their region as well as featuring the current cohort of musicians, singers, storytellers and dancers. Branches are encouraged to tell their own story as the foundation for this programme using archival material, folklore of their local area, including scenery etc.

FleadhFest in 2021 promises to be one of the most interesting and comprehensive cultural responses to COVID-19 nationwide and among the Irish diaspora. It is organised by the Irish cultural movement Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann which operates in each County in Ireland and in 18 countries worldwide. The Fleadh Cheoil is a unique Irish institution which for 70 years has been embraced by generations of Irish people. It has, down the years, marked the resurgence of Irish traditional music and other cultural traditions. The Fleadh story has for the first time since 1951 been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fleadh Cheoil as we know it will not in 2021 be possible in each county, province and at national level. It will be replaced by FleadhFest. This is a factual-virtual celebration of the Fleadh at all levels which will depict the vitality and universal appeal of Irish culture. FleadhFest will link the Irish fireside with the world stage. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2019 had an attendance of 750,000 people. FleadhFest will build a bridge of renewal with millions of Fleadh fans worldwide. Communities at home and abroad will have the opportunity to introduce their favourite musicians, dancers, singers, poets and storytellers to our world neighbours.

We would like to sincerely thank all the branches in county Limerick who submitted material for inclusion in our FleadhFest programme. We have compiled a series of 3 episodes which show off the great wealth of tradition and talent that we have within the county. The series will air over the June Bank Holiday weekend when we would traditionally be up to our eyes in Fleadh Cheoil Luimnigh. 

I encourage you all to watch, share and enjoy the series which will be shared on our Facebook page Limerick CCÉ starting on Friday 4th June!