News
Launch of The McCracken Summer School Programme 2009
06 Jul 2009McCRACKEN SUMMER SCHOOL 2009 - 10 YEARS A GROWING
Around this time of year something very special happens in North Belfast. People come together from far and wide under the common flag of language for an exciting annual celebration of culture which proves that Irish remains a central part of our lives in today’s world.
The McCracken Cultural Society has been encouraging people in the local area to engage with Irish but the highlight of the calendar must surely be the annual Summer School at the end of July.
As always, Irish-language classes for adults and all age groups (and backgrounds) play a central role – and there are 5 different levels available from beginners to advanced. In addition to Irish language classes and various workshops for all-levels and age groups the school’s organisers have put together a varied programme of events.
Indeed, the Summer School is reving up to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a star studded line-up of singers and musicians.
Amongst the highlights of the week-long Irish Language Festival will be a magical musical performance by sisters Maighréad and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill who belong to one of the most renowned singing families of the Donegal Gaeltacht.
(Wed 29 July 9.30 – 174 Trust – Tickets £5.00)
The world renowned group ALTAN will perform at the Gala Concert & Dinner of the Summer School along with a unique and explosive show of traditional and contemporary Irish dancing by Celtic Storm.
(Sat 1st August – 7.30 to late – Europa Hotel – Tickets £40.00)
Indian, Chinese, Islamic & South American food as will also be amongst the ingredients of a North Belfast culture fest this summer.
While many of the events have an Irish Language theme, there will be a distinct multi-cultural flavour on Wednesday July 29. Flavour being the operative word!
The diverse cultures that now make up Irish society will be celebrated with a particular emphasis on their cuisine. Representatives of the Chinese, Indian and Latin American communities will be taking part. Not only will our taste buds be tempted but as well as live traditional music, there will be a fascinating Indian Bollywood dancing display performed by ArtsEkta.
As part of the packed McCracken Programme, an Irish language Summer Camp for teenagers will be hosted at St Patrick’s College, Antrim Road. Due to the demand of this course, organisers have planned for a day trip to Dundonald Ice Bowl and Captain Hook’s Pirates Adventure Crazy Golf.
Back at The 174 trust, children will be able to take part in art workshops through the medium of Irish (5 to 11 age group) as well as storytelling and samba music workshops. Traditional Irish music will be a recurrent theme throughout the week, with fiddle and tin-whistle workshops also.
Entertainment will add to the fantastic atmosphere of the week, with an Irish language Family Drama, a lecture on the McCracken Family & The Cavehill by John Gray along with a traditional Irish concert on Friday night. Thursday night will host BLASTA, an evening of quality Irish Entertainment at Madden’s Bar and performed by singers, sean-nós dancers and musicians from the Conemara Gaeltacht in Galway. (Thurs 30 July – 9.30 to late – Madden’s Bar - £5 Entrance)
There will also be set dancing classes with Éamann Maguire and live music sessions at lunchtime everyday. The McCracken Summer School has gained an international reputation attracting students from throughout the world.
It will run from Monday 27th July through to Sunday 2nd August and the majority of classes and events will be held at the 174 Trust, Duncairn Avenue, off the Antrim Road.
For more details or to reserve a place for one of the events, contact Niall Ó Maitiú, Teach Mhic Reachtain, 156 Antrim Road, Béal Feirste. BT15 2AH.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2009 PROGRAMME
T: 028 90 749688
