Irish extravaganza musical evening in Cheetham Hill

It was standing room only last week at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill at an Irish extravaganza musical evening organised by Manchester Music Service.

The event, held on Thursday 4 March was a resounding success and featured talented young musicians and dancers from across the city who took to the floor in a celebration of Irish music and dance.

Great performances were given by pupils who all play in weekly Irish Ceili / Folk groups at local music centres held in Blackley at The Co-operative Academy of Manchester, in Wythenshawe at Newall Green High School, and in Didsbury at The Barlow RC High School.

Pupils sang and played the tin whistle, fiddle, guitars, recorder, flute, bodhran, congas and drum kit. There was even sighting of a didgeredoo!

The event also featured 24 dancers aged 9-11 years old from St Edmunds RC Primary School - Miles Platting, who performed an 8 hand reel to the delight of a cheering crowd of supporters.

Headteacher Maureen Duffy said: "The children really enjoyed the evening and performed with confidence. It was a successful event and a good example of partnership working to provide the wider curriculum."

Individual dancers - including a 5 year old -  from The Lally Dance School also performed.

The event featured lots of audience participation - singing classics such as The Wild Rover, Dirty Old Town and The Fields of Athenry accompanied by professional musicians who all work for Manchester Music Service during the day, teaching thousands of children and young people in schools across the city.

Any young person aged 3 - 19 who is interested in playing an instrument at a local music centre should contact Manchester Music Service on tel: 0161 226 4422 or visit www.manchester.gov.uk/musicservice

All group activities are FREE if you live in Manchester or attend a Manchester school.