Fleadh Cheoil na Breataine: All-Britain Fleadh 2026

26th – 28th June 2026 | Brentwood County High School, Essex

The London & Southern Region, with the support of the Provincial Council, is proud to host this year’s All-Britain Fleadh. Organising an event of this scale relies on the incredible "people power" of our community. Whether you are representing a Comhaltas branch or attending as an individual, here is everything you need to know for the weekend.

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The Weekend at a Glance

 

Friday 26th June (Holiday Inn Brentwood)

• 19:00 - 21:00: Wristband Collection

• 19:00 - Late: Welcome Session (Open to all, instruments welcome!)

 

Saturday 27th June (Brentwood County High School & Cathedral)

• 11:00: Wristband Collection Opens (School)

• 12:00: Opening & Awards Ceremony (School)

• 13:00 - 18:00: Competitions (School)

• 18:30: Fleadh Mass (Brentwood Cathedral)

• 19:30 - Late: Fleadh Sessions, Singing Session & Dancing (Holiday Inn)

 

Sunday 28th June (Brentwood County High School & Holiday Inn)

• 10:00 - 18:00: Competitions (School)

• 19:00 - Late: Farewell Session (Holiday Inn)
   

Important Event Highlights

Reminder: Return All-Britain Trophies

If you or someone from your branch is holding a trophy from the All-Britain Fleadh 2025, please ensure it is cleaned, engraved, and brought along to Brentwood next weekend. All trophy returns should be taken directly to the Fleadh Hub, which will be located in the school library.

 

Friday, Saturday & Sunday Evening Sessions

All evening and farewell sessions will take place at our main hotel venue, the Holiday Inn Brentwood (CM14 5NF).

Please note that entry to all of these sessions is completely free! However, we can guarantee that Conor, the Fleadh Chair, will not let you leave without buying a raffle ticket!

• Friday Welcome Session: Kickstarting the weekend from 20:00. Everyone is welcome, whether you have a Fleadh wristband yet or not!

• Saturday Night: We will have a dedicated singing session alongside plenty of space for impromptu sean-nós, céilí, and set dancing.

• Sunday Farewell Session: The perfect way to close out the weekend from 19:00.

• Car parking charges apply at the Holiday Inn venue.

 

Saturday 12:00 PM – Opening & Awards Ceremony

Join us at the school to celebrate our incredible volunteers with live music from members of Ceol le Chéile and the presentation of special Comhaltas 75th anniversary medals. Most awards are a surprise, so come along and support your fellow branch members!

Saturday 18:30 – Fleadh Mass

A beautiful, dedicated Mass at Brentwood Cathedral featuring live traditional music led by Fleadh musicians.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Where are the venues located?

• Main Fleadh Venue: Brentwood County High School, Shenfield Common, Seven Arches Rd, Brentwood CM14 4JF (What3Words: ///supporter.handed.reduce)

• Main Hotel & Session Venue: Holiday Inn Brentwood, Brook St, Brentwood CM14 5NF (What3Words: ///turns.tries.flap)

• Fleadh Mass Venue: Brentwood Cathedral, Ingrave Rd, Brentwood CM15 8AT

 

What are the parking and arrival instructions?

Look out for the green Fleadh flags outside the school gates.

• General Parking: As you enter the driveway, volunteers will direct you to the left to park on the school playing field.

• Blue Badge Holders: Please proceed slowly up the main drive toward the school building (this is a heavy foot-traffic area). An accessible entrance to the building is located right next to this designated parking area.

• Note: Parking charges apply at the Holiday Inn car park.

 

How do I collect or buy wristbands?

• Friday Collection: Save time on Saturday morning by picking up your pre-paid wristbands from Theresa at the Holiday Inn between 19:00 and 21:00 on Friday.

• On-the-Door & Saturday Collection: Look for the two gazebos outside the main school entrance. Please follow volunteer instructions for the queues.

• Tip: Please have a paper printout or a clear screenshot of your pre-order confirmation ready to speed up the collection process.

 

Where and when do competitors check in?

Once inside the school, follow the signs to the Canteen.

• Saturday: All Duet and Trio competitors must sign in here.

• Sunday: All Solo competitors must sign in here.

 

What are the catering and food options?

• At the School: The school canteen and external stalls will offer hot lunch options, snacks, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available. If you have strict dietary requirements, please contact the committee in advance. Note: The school canteen operates a cashless system.

• Evening Meals: Brentwood town centre is a short walk from the school and offers a wide variety of restaurants. The Holiday Inn also has an on-site restaurant. Online booking is highly recommended for Friday and Saturday nights.

 

How can I volunteer to help?

We have a critical last-minute need for Friday General Support (Setup) and Sunday Door Support (Room Stewards).

This year, we are lucky to have sixth formers and the PTA from Brentwood County High School helping out. If you have family members aged 16–18 who would like to volunteer, we will provide an official certificate of appreciation for their university applications. Please register via our official volunteer form.

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What are the travel options (Train, Plane, Driving)?

• By Train: Brentwood Station (Elizabeth Line) is the closest station, with direct links from London Liverpool Street, Stratford, and Romford. From the station, it is a 15-minute walk, or a 5–10 minute bus/taxi ride to the school.

• By Plane: London Stansted (STN) is the closest airport. Take the Stansted Express to London Liverpool Street, then change to the Elizabeth Line to Brentwood (Total travel time approx. 1 hour 15 mins).

• Driving via M25: Exit at Junction 28, follow the A1023 into Brentwood town centre, and follow signs for Seven Arches Road.

• Driving via A12: Exit at Brentwood/M25 Junction 28 (from London) and follow the A1023, or use the A127/A128 routes if travelling from East/North Essex.

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Timetable