Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2017 is about to kick into full swing in Ennis.
The largest traditional music festival in the world will be opened in a star-studded ceremony this afternoon, led by Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley.
Over the next week, around 400,000 people are expected to descend on the county town as Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:
Crowds are gathering and the craic agus ceoil is underway in the streets of Ennis, ahead of this afternoon’s opening ceremony for the Fleadh Down in Ennis.
Michael Flatley will officially open the event at the Fly Shannon Gig Rig in the Abbey Street Car Park, but proceedings begin before that with live music from Deirdre O’Brien Vaughan and friends from The Old Ground Hotel Summer Show, beginning at 1.30.
The event kicks off nine days of music, competitions, concerts and more as well as craic galore throughout Ennis and beyond.
After today’s opening, there’ll be more music here in the Abbey Street Car Park, with Martin Hayes and the Tulla Ceili Band following the main event.
Ceoltoiri Chnoc na Gaoithe from Tulla, West Clare group Draiochta and Joe Lineen and Friends will also perform as Ennis fills with music once more.
And the Fleadh will also be given a big welcome by the town later tonight, with Clare County Council promising a fireworks display for 10.30.
But for now, all eyes are on the main stage for the big event at 2.30.
