| Star line-up for return of World
Fleadh The World Fleadh will commence on Bank Holiday Monday,
August 6 and run-over a seven-day period in a custom-built festival village
in the host town of Portlaoise.
The festival will comprise theatre, outdoor and large scale marquee performances,
13 céilís, music, song and dance masterclasses, workshops
and demonstrations, a scheduled session trail encompassing 20 venues,
world title competitions, a world food and craft fair, two festival clubs
and a variety of other fringe entertainments to cater for all tastes and
ages.
After the outstanding success of last year’s inaugural festival
the World Fleadh returns with a fantastic selection of top Irish and Celtic
music acts from around the globe alongside quality special guest acts
from other musical genres.
Festival Director Eric Cunningham said: “It has always been our
ambition to develop a top-class cultural event which would give a platform
to the very best in Irish and Celtic music from both home and abroad.
“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.
“It is our hope that people will leave Portlaoise at the end of
the week with a new appreciation of the magic of Irish music.”
And the economic benefits to the local community of hosting this event
are significant.
Last year’s location of Ballybunion, received an estimated 50,000
visitors during the festival giving a ?15million boost to the local economy.
With 2007 destined to be even bigger, Portlaoise can look forward to an
estimated 80,000 visitors generating over ?20million for the local economy.
To facilitate such large numbers a 1,500-seat dome and a 5,000-capacity
outdoor arena will be erected.
Over 600 performers will take part in the festival over the seven days.
Due to the high-level of demand for accommodation early booking is advisable.
E-mail requirements to theworldfleadh2007@abbey.ie
For more details and ticketing information visit www.theworldfleadh.com. |
