03-08-2025
Thousands expected for opening day of Fleadh in Wexford
Thousands of people are expected to gather for the opening day of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 which is being held in Wexford town for the second year in a row.
The Irish music festival will run for eight days, with organisers saying this year will be bigger than last year.
President Michael D Higgins will officially open the Fleadh at a ceremony on Wexford's quay front, where he will address the crowd from the "Gig Rig" - a specially constructed stage that will play host to hundreds of free music events over the next week.
Organisers expect more people than last year to attend, with 700,000 people due to visit the county town of Wexford for the world's biggest traditional Irish music festival.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taff said last year the 650,000 visitors who came for the Fleadh gave a €65m boost to the local economy.
He said the town has been a "hub of activity" for the last few weeks as the organisers and volunteers, local businesses and local people aim to have an even bigger and better Fleadh than last year.
There will be around 40,000 - 50,000 competitors taking part in 180 competitions over a three-day period from next Friday.
Those musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers will compete at the different venues which are located across the town.
There will be 1,000 volunteers to help people find their way around Wexford town where hundreds of gigs and sessions will take place, while visitors will also enjoy the many buskers who will entertain them on the winding, narrow streets.
Wexford County Council have a traffic management plan with diversions, street closures and park and ride routes for visitors.
There will also be extra public transport services for the duration of the festival.
