Magical music on St Patrick's Day from Music Generation Laois talent

Music Generation Laois have a packed programme of music over St. Patrick’s weekend with some of the members setting off to Dublin for to perform to the crowds as part of the St Patrick’s Festival in the capital.

The Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra will take centre stage in Dublin in St Patrick's Festival Quarter in Collins Barracks from 1pm on Friday, March 17. A total of 36 musicians from Music Generation Laois, led by Director Siobhan Buckley,  will perform.

Rosa Flannery is the Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois.

"The Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra are delighted to return to St Patrick’s Festival for the 2nd year. Irish Traditional Music is for dancing along to, we want to see lots of dancing in Collins Barracks," she said.

Music Generation Laois also have a packed programme of music in Laois over the weekend. More than 40 young musicians and singers will perform at Hynds Square, Portlaoise from 2pm to 4.30 pm on Friday, March 17.

Rock and pop bands, trad groups, soloists and duos will perform, including well-known Music Generation Laois band Anita. Anita were recent winners of the Electric Youth competition, which secured this 5-piece rock band an opportunity to perform at Electric Picnic in 2022.

Anita recently released their debut EP ‘How Would I Know.’ The Hynds Square performances are part of a range of events to mark St. Patrick’s Day in Portlaoise, including a parade, street performers, food stalls and entertainment. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

On Saturday, March 18, harpers from Music Generation Laois will travel to Waterford City to take part in the Waterford St Patrick’s Festival.  ‘The Harpettes’ will play as a group in Waterford Central Library at 7pm, and also as a large harp ensemble, The Music Generation Harp Collective on the Main St Patrick’s Festival Stage at 3pm.

What St Patrick's Day parades are taking place in Laois?

Lots of fun in store on Friday, March 17 as Laois dons the national colours on parade

On Sunday, March 19, Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland’s national music education programme which gives children and young people access to high-quality performance music education.

IN PICTURES Down Memory Lane: St Patrick's Day craic around Laois

With a mission to remove barriers of access to music and create inspiring musical experiences for children and young people, Music Generation say they are thrilled to collaborate with Ireland’s National Festival to create such a memorable live performance opportunity for its young participants.