All Britain Fleadh festival celebrations

Kirkby Lonsdale was recently awash with green, white and orange decorations and flags.

The town took centre stage for the Irish music festival ‘All Britain Fleadh’ – one of Ireland’s most prestigious cultural events.

It was an especially important event, as it marked the very first time in its 61-year history that the event has been held in a town (previously, the organisers have relied on schools or universities to provide suitable venues).

Everyone enjoyed a superb weekend of celebrations, and music filled the air, as musicians from far and wide performed in venues around Kirkby Lonsdale.

A grand total of 245 music competitions also took place. Approximately 600 of the best musicians in Britain competed against each other in 49 contests in five age groups (from those under 10 to experienced seniors).

The Royal Barn proved to be a popular venue for the weekend’s celebrations – and the commemorative Fleadh (pronounced ‘flah’) beer that we created for the occasion was especially popular!

A great time was had by all – and for those who might’ve felt a little delicate after the weekend’s celebrations, there was lovely Kircabi Roasters coffee on offer too…