London Hits a High Note: £2,000 Raised for All Britain Fleadh 2026

Erin Watson
Mar 2
2 min read

Updated: Mar 10

The road to the All Britain Fleadh 2026 is off to a resounding start! On Saturday, 28th February, the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith was filled with the sounds of traditional music, dance, and community spirit for the North London CCÉ Fundraiser Concert.

We are thrilled to announce that the afternoon was a massive success, raising nearly £1,000. In a wonderful show of regional solidarity, the East London CCÉ Branch matched this total through their own recent activities, bringing our current fundraising total to a fantastic £2,000!

Reflecting on the day, Caitlin Mannion (London and Southern PRO) said:

“The fundraiser concert was something truly special—over 200 people came together, from musicians and singers to dancers and listeners alike, all united by a shared love of traditional Irish music. Moments like these remind us just how powerful music can be in bringing a community together. To top it all off, knowing that every note played and every step danced was raising funds for the All Britain Fleadh made the whole event feel even more meaningful.”

A Showcase of Local Tradition

The concert featured a vibrant lineup that highlighted the dedication of our members:

Youth Performances: Exceptional sets from U12–U18 Céilí Bands and Grúpa Cheoils, plus a Céilí team representing both North and East London CCÉ branches.
Dance Display: A spectacular display by the students of Scoil Rince Céim Óir.
Grand Finale: A powerful performance by some of London’s finest musicians, leaving the crowd inspired.

Building a Legacy in Essex

Hosting the All Britain Fleadh is a significant undertaking. These funds are vital for securing high-quality venues, coordinating travel, and hosting adjudicators to provide the best possible platform for our musicians, singers and dancers.

Conor Walsh, Chairperson of the 2026 Fleadh, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the event to a new location:

“Although this area currently does not have a branch, the strong Irish communities in Southend and Chelmsford make it a perfect location. We aim to create a lasting legacy with the 2026 Fleadh, engaging local communities and inspiring future generations of Irish musicians and dancers.”