Published: Wednesday, 11th August, 2010 5:00pm

Cavan is set for an innovative All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil

Bound for Cavan... Sharon Shannon.
Pic by==: 97

Local excitement is growing day by day as the countdown continues to the All-Ireland Fleadh in Cavan all next week, and the town looks forward to welcoming thousands of visitors for what the hard-working organisers are confident will prove to be a truly memorable feast of Irish music.

Great venues of every size and shape have been lined up to host a huge and varied programme of indoor and outdoor events, including many innovative new initiatives that will see Cavan put its own unique stamp on the annual Comhaltas flagship festival as it returns to the drumlins of Breffni for the first time in 56 years.

Added to the traditional line-up enjoyed by fleadh-goers every year will be a series of concerts and late-night shows featuring some of the very biggest names on the Irish music scene, including Paul Brady, who plays the Cavan Equestrian Centre, Ballyhaise Road on Friday, August 20; Sharon Shannon, who headlines the Peace III Gig Rig shows on Sunday, August 22; and the young and exciting Beoga, who play the Cavan Crystal Hotel in special Nyah fringe events later on the Friday afternoon and night.

At First Light, Stockton's Wing, "Old" De Dannan and Kevin Crawford's acclaimed Lúnasa - who launch their new Lá Nua CD - will be among the top acts appearing at the Arts Council sponsored late-night Fleadh Club in the Town Hall.

Entertainment

Anyone looking for that extra touch of top-notch entertainment will be spoiled for choice!

One of the prime attractions of the Fleadh will be the Peace III Gig Rig at the Egg Market, which will feature a long list of top-class performers playing free to the public shows, culminating with Sharon Shannon and her band at around 9pm on the Sunday evening.

As its name suggests, the Gig Rig will reflect the cross-community themes being promoted by the European Peace III funding programme, right from the first show on Wednesday evening through to a fireworks display that will bring the curtains down on Sunday 22nd as the winning Senior céilí band performs.

The Gig Rig performances will focus on celebrating shared musical heritage, with bands from the UK, Europe and North America adding to the global touch.

One of the early highlights of the Peace III stage will be a world music night on Thursday, August 19.

The All-Ireland competitions will take place over the Saturday and Sunday, with careful planning having gone into the choice of venues in order to facilitate the optimum flow of thousands of performers.

Set dancing, special tribute concerts to great musicians of old, singing sessions and a host of new CD launches will also be features of the Fleadh, along with fringe events including special cross-denominational services and art exhibitions.

And, it almost goes without saying, numerous impromptu pub sessions - the life and soul of every All-Ireland Fleadh - will entertain the masses throughout the week and especially over the weekend in the town's many engaging bars, restaurants and shops.

The Fleadh Accommodation office can be contacted at Accommodation@fleadh2010.ie; phone 049-4378541. For more details visit fleadh 2010.ie.

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