Irish music, dance heads to Queenscliff

THE annual Queenscliff Irish Dance and Music weekend is returning to the region during the last week of the school holidays.

The weekend events run from April 12-14 and include a range of lessons and workshops such as, set-dancing, tin whistle, fiddle, traditional singing, guitar and more.

The event is presented by Comhaltas, a worldwide organisation branching out of Ireland, which held their first Queenscliff event in 2021.

Concerts, sessions, Irish céilís and more will take place with about 50 workshops for all ages over the weekend with about 15 different tutors.

“We have workshops, and we have tutors from all over Victoria and even from Sydney and Adelaide,” Comhaltas Treasurer Johanna O’Reilly said.

Ms O’Reilly said the event is all about spreading the love of music and Irish culture.

“We have a lot of fun, it’s a fun weekend with an emphasis on Irish traditional music and dancing.

Everybody is welcome to come along, especially if they have any interest in Irish music, with attendees promised a great welcome.

Along with the lessons and workshops, a welcome concert will also be held on opening night at the Queenscliff Uniting Church Hall at 7:30pm.

“We have some amazing musicians, and the tutors are top quality; they will be there, and they sing as well,” Ms O’Reilly said.

“We just thought we’d put on a concert and try and attract some of the local people.”

Ms O’Reilly said the band Ceoltoiri Naarm would be one of the highlights of the event.

“They’re very high quality and there’s about 10 of them and their ages range from about 11 up to 18, but they’re very talented.”

For tickets and more information, head to melbournecomhaltas.org.au