A Vibrant Celebration of Music and Dance: London and Southern Region Fleadh 2026

Erin Watson
Mar 27
3 min read

Updated: Apr 3

Following a fantastic day at Salvatorian College, Harrow on Sunday 22nd March, we are still buzzing from the energy and talent displayed at the London and Southern Region Fleadh. It was truly a joy to see competitors travelling from every corner of the region—from the heart of London to the furthest reaches of The South—to showcase their dedication to our heritage.

The Future is Bright: Our Young Musicians

One of the most heartening aspects of the day was the sheer volume of entries in the Under 12 age category. Seeing so many young children picking up instruments for the first time or returning to compete with increased confidence is incredibly exciting for the future of the region.

This youthful energy was particularly evident in the Céilí Band and Grúpaí Ceoil competitions. It is no small feat to get a group of young musicians to play in such tight unison, and the standard of ensemble playing among the Under 18 age groups suggests that the next generation of traditional musicians is already well on its way.

A Resurgence in Dancing: Filling the Floor

This year, Comhaltas in Britain made a concerted effort to revitalise the dancing competitions. While dance has always held a prestigious place at our Regional Fleadhs, uptake has occasionally fluctuated in recent years. However, the London and Southern Region truly got on board with the initiative this year!

The atmosphere was electric as we watched everything from the disciplined energy of the Under 12 8-Hand Céilí Dancing to the intricate footwork of the Senior Full and Half Sets. Seeing the floor full of dancers of all ages, supported by the cheers of a captivated audience, was a highlight of the day and a testament to the hard work of the local dancing teacher.

The Power of Volunteers: The West London Team

A Fleadh simply cannot happen without the ‘boots on the ground’ volunteers who support their branches week in, week out. We owe a massive debt of gratitude to the hosting West London Branch, whose members worked tirelessly alongside the wider London and Southern Regional team to ensure the day ran like clockwork.

As always, visitors were welcomed with the signature warmth and professionalism of Regional Chair Mary Walsh, who was expertly aided in the Fleadh Office by the familiar, reassuring face of Pat Connelly. We also want to extend our thanks to the branch volunteers who ensured our visiting adjudicators were well looked after with refreshments that kept everyone going through a long and busy schedule.

Modern Safety and New Faces

It was also encouraging to see parents and visitors embracing our updated safeguarding procedures. The transition to our new electronic photo permit system was smooth and well-received, proving that we can maintain our traditional roots while using modern technology to ensure a safe and secure environment for all our young performers.

We were also delighted to welcome several non-member entries this year. A special mention must go to the St Cedd’s Céilí Band from the Chelmsford area. They have seen a significant rise in the uptake of Irish music within the local Essex community recently, and it was fantastic to see them assemble a band specifically for the Fleadh. Their hard work certainly paid off—not only did they perform beautifully, but they also headed home as regional champions!

A Note of Gratitude: Teachers and Parents

An event of this scale is a massive testament to the teachers and parents at branch level. The polished performances we witnessed are the direct result of the hours of practice in kitchens, living rooms, and classrooms across the country. To the parents who provide the lifts to rehearsals and the teachers who pass on their passion and skill: thank you. Your commitment is the heartbeat of this organisation.

Full Steam Ahead for Brentwood!

As the curtain falls on the regional qualifiers, our sights are now set firmly on the All-Britain Fleadh, which is being hosted by the London and Southern Region in Brentwood at the end of June.

This is a massive undertaking, and the committee is keen to hear from anyone who can lend a hand over the weekend. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time volunteer, we need your help! You can sign up to join the team by filling in our volunteer form here: https://forms.gle/4ibp7o44kvQ8k1R48

Support the Fleadh: With an event of this scale, we are also seeking partners to help us deliver a world-class experience. We would love to hear from anyone interested in:

Sponsoring a competition
Sponsoring a performance room
Placing an advert in the official All-Britain Fleadh Programme
Contact Caitlín Mannion the London and Southern Public Relations Officer: londonandsouthernpro@comhaltas.co.uk