Multi-cultural, inter-generational festival set for Laois

TO CELEBRATE Criunniú na nÓg, the national day of creativity for children and young people, Laois le Chéile festival will be held in Portlaoise on Saturday 7 June.

The all-inclusive, free to attend community multi-cultural, inter-generational festival will be held on the grounds of Laois Music Centre from 1-6pm and presented by Music Generation Laois.

Activities on the day include music and craft workshops, open mic, musical performances by Laois Community Choir and Music Generation Laois Primary School Singers with special guest, the renowned Galway singer Seán Keane.

Children and young people from across many of Music Generation Laois’ programmes will perform including DP Kidz – from Portlaoise and Abbeyleix after-schools programmes, Bass Brothers (a partnership project with Laois Traveller Action Group), Malva Ukrainian Choir, Bells Ukrainian Children's Choir, MGL Junior Harp Ensemble.

Workshops for younger children include Ta Tum Tum – a Brazilian rhythm interactive music workshop for younger children , Inisowiacy – a Polish music workshop for children age 3-13 (Inisowiacy will also perform on the Le Chéile stage), and a dance workshop with Anne Kiesel for children age 8-13. 

World Percussion workshops will take place with Eddie O’Neill, and Colm Phelan from Goitse, will host bodhrán workshops. 

All instruments supplied for workshops open to beginners and to all level of musicians. 

Free crafting will also take place from 1pm to 3pm.

Laois Le Chéile will end the festival with a Céilí Mór for all ages which will be led by Ceilí Master, Maureen Culleton.