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Leeds hosts Irish festival 
A 10-DAY celebration of Irish arts and culture is being staged in Leeds
between November 8 and 18.
Dozens of attractions including music sessions, literary, film and theatrical
events and talks are planned at venues across Leeds — bringing Ireland’s
finest artists to the city.
Organised by the Leeds-based Irish Arts Foundation events are designed
to appeal to both those of an Irish background and people from the wider
community.
Irish Arts Foundation director Chris O’Malley said: “The
idea is to provide a unique opportunity for the Irish community in Leeds
to showcase their rich and vibrant cultural traditions.”
The third Leeds Gathering features some of the most dynamic local, national
and international performers and artistes in the world of Irish arts.
This year’s festival is to be headlined by traditional band Lúnasa.
The Irish Arts Foundation was established in Leeds in June 1998 with
a mission to introduce and actively encourage the playing, listening,
understanding and celebration of traditional Irish music and Irish cultural
heritage.
Multi-instrumentalist Chris O’Malley will be launching his new
album at the Leeds Irish Centre on November 15 as part of this year’s
event.
The album features a blend of traditional and contemporary music and
sees Chris playing piano accordion, guitar, keyboards and bass.
The event also features an album launch from London-based fiddle player
Sam Proctor and will feature a performance from a selection of guest musicians
from both Britain and Ireland.
Entry is free and the concert begins at 8pm.
A taster of the music is available on www.myspace.com/chrisomalleyceol.
For further information about the Irish Arts Foundation and The Gathering
festival contact Irish Arts Foundation West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds
LS16 5BE, e-mail: info@irisharts.org.uk
or log-on to www.irisharts.org.uk
To highlight their 10th anniversary year, Lúnasa will be performing
in Britain during November.
Friday, November 9: Hereford The Courtyard
08701 122330, www.courtyard.org.uk.
Saturday 10: London Hammersmith Irish Centre
02085 638232, www.irishcentrehammersmith.co.uk.
Sunday 11: Kings Lynn Arts Centre
01553 764864, www.kingslynnarts.co.uk.
Monday 12: Norwich Arts Centre,
01603 660352, www.norwichartscentre.co.uk
Tuesday 13: Manchester Waterside Arts Centre
01619 125616, www.watersideartscentre.co.uk
Thursday 15: Durham Gala Theatre
01913 324041, www.galadurham.co.uk
Friday 16: Leeds Irish Centre
01132 243801, www.irisharts.org.uk
Thursday 29: Shrewsbury, The Buttermarket
01743 281281, www.buttermarket.com
Friday 30: Chagford Jubilee Hall,
01392 496564 or 01647 433859
More tour information at: www.lunasa.ie
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