Belleek CCÉ committee members are looking forward to this weekend (November 18-20) to celebrate 15 years of the branch, which continues to go from strength to strength.

This event is to recognise all things good in traditional music, song and dance. Weekly traditional music classes post-Covid have seen an increase in numbers, with a lot of new members to Comhaltas – approximately 50 children are being taught on a variety of instruments each Saturday morning.

The 15th Anniversary Weekend Festival Launch by Vince Hearns (Ocean FM) on Friday takes place in the Riverside Bar, Garrison at 9pm, with musicians some of Fermanagh’s finest – Kathleen Meehan, Francie Rasdale and Fr. Seamus Quinn, a fiddle player and composer absorbed in the musical tradition of this area.

Looking back over 15 years of Belleek CCÉ.

Looking back over 15 years of Belleek CCÉ.

Saturday includes something for everyone especially for new members who can experience workshops locally in Belleek.

These workshops will include a children’s singing workshop with the branch All-Ireland Senior medal winner Lily Keaney, and a children’s sean nos dance steps and brush dance workshop. Those who plan to attend are reminded to bring their own brush.

There is also an adult beginner whistle workshop and a Townlands talk on Saturday afternoon. At 6pm, Christopher Maguire, All-Ireland Senior button accordion champion, will teach an accordion workshop in the Wark Hall.

Aside from the workshops there will be a singing session in the Thatch coffee shop at 5.30pm on Saturday, led by branch member Rosie Stewart, Gradam Ceoil TG4 singer of the year.

The window at the coffee shop is well worth stopping by to take a look at 15 years of photos. To finish off a busy day, there will be a Seisiun Ceoil in the Fiddlestone Pub, Belleek at 9pm with Christopher Maguire and friends.

Sunday starts with the festival mass in Belleek at 11.30am, followed by a youth session in the Fiddlestone Pub at 12.30pm which will be led by branch music class teachers.

The Seisiun Ceoil Slan Abhaile and festival raffle is in the Riverside Bar Garrison at 5pm on Sunday evening. All musicians are welcome throughout the weekend.

Looking back over 15 years of Belleek CCÉ.

Looking back over 15 years of Belleek CCÉ.

This celebration weekend was made possible through the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.

The weekend with something for everyone has been planned by branch secretary Bernie McNulty and other Belleek CCÉ committee members.

All events are free of charge except a small nominal fee for non-branch members attending the workshops.

Come along and enjoy whether you are a musician, singer or listener.

For further details see the Belleek CCE Facebook page, or contact branch secretary Bernie McNulty.

New members are very welcome to join Belleek CCÉ branch but must do so before the end of November. All family and senior members receive regular copies of the Treoir magazine.