Laois heart to beat at Portlaoise festival of creativity

The historic heart of Portlaoise is set to be alive with community creativity when the Laois le Chéile returns in June.

The all-inclusive, multi-cultural, inter-generational community arts festival, takes place on the grounds of Laois Music Centre in the heart of Portlaoise on Saturday 7 June, from 1-6pm, presented by Music Generation Laois.

Events on the day include music and craft workshops, Open Mic, musical performances by Laois Community Choir and Music Generation Laois Primary School Singers with special guest, the renowned Galway singer Seán Keane.

Children and young people from across many of Music Generation Laois’ programmes will perform including DP Kidz – from Portlaoise and Abbeyleix after-schools programmes, Bass Brothers (a partnership project with Laois Traveller Action Group), Malva Ukrainian Choir, Bells Ukrainian Children's Choir, MGL Junior Harp Ensemble.

Workshops for younger children also feature. These include Ta Tum Tum – a Brazilian rhythm interactive music workshop for younger children , Inisowiacy – a Polish music workshop for children age 3-13 (Inisowiacy will also perform on the Le Chéile stage), and a dance workshop with Anne Kiesel for children age 8-13. World Percussion workshops will take place with Eddie O’Neill, and Colm Phelan from Goitse, will host bodhrán workshops. All instruments supplied for workshops open to beginners and to all level of musicians. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured is the Laois Community Choir durig their debut performance at the festival in 2024.

Free crafting will take place from 1-3pm, using polymer clay and upcycled materials.

Laois Le Chéile will end with a Céilí Mór for all ages, led by Ceilí Master, Maureen Culleton.

READ ALSO: Lets celebrate with Laois children on Criunniú na nÓg

All events are free of charge. This festival is part of Criunniú na nÓg, a national day of creativity for children and young people, happening all over Ireland on Saturday 7 June.

More details and times are on www.musicgenerationlaois.ie

Presented by Music Generation Laois in partnership with Laois Integration Network, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Laois Partnership Company, supported by Creative Ireland Laois/Laois County Council, LOETB Community Education.

Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland's national music education programme, co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and The Department of Education. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council.