THE BEST of Irish music, arts and culture will be on offer in Leeds next month as the city’s annual Irish celebration kicks off.
The Leeds Gathering 2014 boasts more than a fortnight of events which bring the finest Irish artists from across Britain and further afield to the city for the cultural festival.
Organised by the Irish Arts Foundation, the popular event features everything from music sessions to literary events and film screenings at venues across the city – all with an Irish theme.
“The thinking behind the Leeds Gathering is to provide a platform for the Irish community in Leeds to showcase their rich and vibrant cultural traditions, but we are also interested in developing new audiences for Irish arts and culture” said Alison Childs, IAF Development Officer.
With a host of Gathering regulars set to return for the 2014 offering, the event also prides itself on breaking new acts onto the Celtic scene.
“We are particularly excited this year to welcome a new band on the trad scene The Dónal Murphy Band,” the IAF confirms.
“November 2013 marked the formation of this dynamic new Irish band featuring Dónal Murphy (accordion), Theresa Kavanagh (fiddle) and Mike Galvin (guitar) and the three come together with a wealth of experience in performing with some of the best traditional bands in Ireland.”
They added: “This is going to be an excellent night, which all takes place in the magnificent setting of the Left Bank on Cardigan Road on Friday, November 14.”
Other Gathering highlights include a performance by Scottish super-group Capercaille at the Victoria Hall and the new London-Irish band CrossHarbour playing in the Otley Courthouse.
Across the two week event a range of musical workshops are also on offer, alongside two film screenings, a lecture from St Mary’s University Professor Lance Pettitt and a number of traditional Irish music sessions.
The Leeds Gathering 2014 takes place from November 13 to 29, with an official launch night taking place on November 13 at Bewleys Hotel in Leeds.
For further information and a full programme of events contact the Irish Arts Foundation on [email protected] or visit www.irisharts.org.uk
