Music at the Gate's inaugural performance in September.

More the merrier to make 'Music at the Gate'

Building on the success of last month’s inaugural event, Music at the Gate is back next Saturday (7th October) and everyone is invited. 

“Come on down. Dance if you want to. Sing if you want to. Play if you want to. And if you’re new to these traditions just come along and enjoy the music, fun and atmosphere,” says Darragh Ó hÉiligh, renowned piper and founder of Music at the Gate. 

The rationale for the event comes from Darragh’s love of music and travel “If you visit other European cities, especially Italy, you’ll find public spaces used by the local community. With the recent closure of St. Laurence’s Gate, I wanted to encourage local people to use the wonderful Gate as a gathering place where they can perform, listen to music and connect with their community.”

The event is free of charge and runs from 10.30am to 2.00pm in front of St. Laurence’s Gate on Laurence Street.  He continued: “It’s a lovely opportunity to pop into town on a Saturday, enjoy the performances, do a little shopping and perhaps stop for a coffee or lunch. Musicians of all ages and abilities are welcome to come along and join in the seisúin.” 

Music at the Gate is an important part of helping local people prepare for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2018. For a week, the streets of town will be filled with music, song, dance and visitors. Over the coming months, Darragh and his colleagues in Comhaltas will run a lot of interesting events and activities that will entertain the community and highlight the great musical talent in Drogheda. “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is a cultural awakening for this region and Music at the Gate is wonderful taste of things to come” Darragh explained. 

Visit www.MusicAtTheGate.ie for more details. Download or share the Music at the Gate poster from their Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Drogheda Facebook page. Darragh concluded “And if you are interested in playing, singing or dancing give me a call on 087 7670464. Everyone is welcome – the more the merrier!”