Music, Movement and Momentum Across Britain: Comhaltas in Britain Convention 2026

Music, Movement and Momentum Across Britain: Comhaltas in Britain Convention 2026

Mairi Docherty, Provincial Youth Officer

Taking place on the 21st and 22nd February 2026 during the 75th anniversary year of Comhaltas, Convention 2026 brought together branches from across Britain for a weekend that balanced forward-looking discussion with the shared joy of music, dance and community.

A full programme of meetings allowed delegates to review ongoing projects, discuss development priorities and strengthen collaboration across the region. The anniversary theme continued with an engaging talk from Uachtarán Attracta Ní Brádaigh, who reflected on 75 years of Comhaltas and the organisation's evolving role in cultural preservation and community building. Her contribution set a thoughtful tone for the weekend, grounding the convention’s discussion in the wider story of the organisation. 

Saturday evening opened with a performance by Ceol le Chéile, marking their first outing in Britain. Although already familiar to many from their appearances at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 including the Gig Rig and the International Showcase Concert in Wexford, this performance was a proud moment for the group and the province. This was followed by an awards ceremony, recognising outstanding contributions across the Comhaltas in Britain community:

• Ceol Nua Community Impact Award: Danaidh MacGabhan, Ashton CCÉ

• Youth Award: Erin Shields, Irish Minstrels CCÉ

• Múinteoir Ceoil: Scott McKeon, Amairgin the Gael CCÉ

• Unsung Hero Award: Roisin Reid, St James the Great CCÉ

One of the most memorable activities was a lively dance workshop led by Noreen Gallagher which saw delegates from across the province come together, (both the enthusiastic and initially apprehensive alike. Noreen captured the spirit of the session perfectly:

“I was delighted to lead a dancing workshop at the recent British CCÉ convention. Twenty‑four participants from every region joined in to learn and dance the four figures of the Connemara Set. For some, it was their very first time dancing. The atmosphere was electric, and everyone — myself included — had a fantastic time.”

This enthusiasm carried into the evening session, where several participants spontaneously formed a set and delivered a fabulous performance, with music continuing into the small hours of the evening. 

Our convention this year also included a live mock SCT Grade 1 exam, delivered in response to teacher feedback requesting more guidance for first-time candidates. Youth officer Calum McGregor acted as the candidate, with Erin Watson (née Brown) taking the role of examiner. Sincere thanks are due to Majella Bartley, whose work in preparing the script and supporting the session ensured its success. This perfectly complemented further discussion on the successful launch of the SCT in Britain last year, with nearly 100 entries for the coming year as more branches adopt the programme. 

Delegates also welcomed the launch of the new Branch Twinning Scheme, designed to build stronger links between branches, encourage shared events and support cultural exchange across Britain.

Convention concluded with the election of officers for the coming term:

• Cathaoirleach: Theresa Gallagher

• Leas‑Cathaoirleach: David Browne

• Cisteoir: Michael Fitzgerald

• Rúnaí: Wendy Doherty

• PRO: John Goulding

• Treoraí na Gaeilge: Evin Downey

• Oifigeach Óige: Mairi Docherty

• Oifigeach Óige: Calum McGregor

• Auditor: Moira Callaghan

• Auditor: Mick Nixon

• Ard Comhairle Delegates: Mick Nevin, David Browne

  
  

We want to thank all delegates who attended across the weekend, the Scottish Region for hosting and selecting a fabulous venue, as well as all the volunteers who contributing their time and effort to ensure Convention 2026 ran smoothly and demonstrated the strength, creativity and commitment of Comhaltas in Britain. With new initiatives underway, growing participation and a renewed sense of shared purpose, the year ahead promises to be one of continued growth and celebration. 

To quote Uachtarán Attracta Ní Brádaigh - “We’re looking good for 75”.