There was a great atmosphere in Dromore, Co. Tyrone on Sunday (July 16) as the week-long Ulster Fleadh officially kicked off with the sold-out Opening Gala Ulster Concert at the Central Bar.
Featuring some of Ulster's finest talents – led by Tómas Quinn, Chris Maguire, Michael Kerr, Dermot Mulholland, Maggie Maguire and Ronan Warnock, and supported by Dromore Comhaltas – huge crowds enjoyed an entertaining evening of live Traditional music.
Prior to the opening concert, a youth session hosted by Tyrone and Ulster Youth Officers took place at O'Connor's Restaurant, which was an opportunity for singers and musicians of all abilities to get involved.
After a fantastic start, the Ulster Fleadh continued throughout the week with a jam-packed programme of sessions, events and competitions.
An Oíche Ghaelach, a night celebrating Irish language of music, song, a quiz and bingo with Peader Mac Gabhann, Piaras Ó Lorcáin and Risteard Mac Daibhéid, took place on Monday (July 17) at the Corner Bar in Dromore.
On Tuesday (July 18), a Cultural Talk was hosted at St. Dympna's Primary School, with a Felix Kearney Focus from Brendan Nugent alongside local history and poetry groups.
Wednesday (July 19) saw an evening of entertainment starting with a fun run in the town, followed by a 'Wellness at the Fleadh' event with Dromore Health and Wellbeing, Kelly McMenamin, Benny McElholm and Archie Beattie at St. Patrick's Hall.
At 9pm on the night, O'Connor's played host to a music session featuring Megan Teague, Aine Rodgers and Maebh McGlinchey.
Tonight (Thursday, July 20) in the Sports Complex, Dromore, there will be a celebration night for Fermanagh musician and educator, Dinie Leonard.
Dancing competitions will take place all day Friday (July 21) at the Sports Complex and that evening will see the open air gig rig set up by the Dromore Clock from 6pm.
There will be performances by Fergal Scahill and Ryan Molloy, Forge Céilí Band Sinead McKenna and friends, and Dromore Comhaltas.
The Fleadh Parade featuring vintage cars and tractors, pipe bands and local community groups will travel through the streets starting from Dromore Chapel at 7.30pm.
Fleadh festivities will continue over the weekend with competitions, street and pub sessions.
On Saturday, July 22, 'Fun at the Fleadh' will run from noon to 4pm at Dromore Clock. The event will feature NYAH Comhaltas, Cathaoir McElholm, Mark McAloon Brosna, facepainting, balloons and stalls.
That night, Conor Arkins and Paul Clesham will launch their CD, 'The Morning Thrush' at the Forge Bar Marquee at 8pm. This will be followed by a singing session at St. Patrick's Hall at 9.30pm.
The Ulster Fleadh will come to a close on Sunday, July 23.
'Céilí at the Crossroads', an open air street céilí with the Blackwater Céilí Band, set dancing and céilí dance favourites and 'The Siege of Ennis' will take place at 3.30pm followed by a live performance from the ever-popular, The Whistlin' Donkeys, at the gig rig from 5.30pm.
The Ulster Fleadh is supported by Comhaltas, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
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