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Help get our incredible musicians from Wales to Belfast!
We are looking for any and all support to help get our wonderful group of musicians from south Wales to Belfast to compete in the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast on 8 August - one of the world's most prestigious traditional music competitions.
On the 26th of June 2026 we entered the All Britain Fleadh Cheoil (the national competition for traditional Irish music in the UK) and were blown away to win 1st place in the Grúpa Ceoil category. This marks the first time a Welsh-based group has achieved this result. We are also thrilled that several of our individual musicians have qualified in instrumental and singing categories.
Amairgin the Gael is a truly unique community group of musicians based in Newport in south Wales and supported by Gwent music. We are more than a performance group, we are a true community music programme that brings together around 30–40 participants of all ages and abilities every week to learn and play traditional celtic music.
Our group operates as a truly intergenerational community, where people learn together, support one another, and build lasting friendships. For many members, the group plays an important role in supporting wellbeing, reducing isolation, and creating a strong sense of belonging.
Getting to compete in the All Irish Fleadh is a testament to the ethos and commitment of the group to support musicians of all abilities to aspire and achieve the highest level of their craft. As our musical director Scott McKeon put it:
A few years ago a fair amount of these musicians could barely string a few beginner tunes together without needing sheet music. Last year we took our first punt at entering the Fleadh Grúpa Cheoil (group music) competition to push everyone into learning tunes and arrangements by memory. Fast forward to this year and not only did we qualify for the all Britain final but we went on to WIN GOLD and get a spot at The ALL IRELAND (international) Final in August
The opportunity to attend the All-Ireland Fleadh represents far more than a competition—it is a chance to:
- Represent Newport and Wales on an international stage
- Celebrate community achievement
- Inspire younger members and future participants
but getting there is expensive, Every member of the group deserves to represent Wales in the Fleadh, we want to get them all there!
We have around a month to raise the funds to make this happen, please join us and support however you can.
Thank you so much/Diolch yn fawr /Go raibh míle maith agaibh
