President Micheal D Higgins has officially opened the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 in Wexford town, the first time the festival has been held in the town.
In front of a crowd of thousands on the quay in Wexford, President Higgins said the Fleadh is one of the most important festivals because it "draws together all the different aspects of Irish culture, singing, instrumental music, dance and storytelling".
The festival will run for a week and organisers expect 500,000 people to visit Wexford over the coming days.
There will be 15,000 musicians, dancers, singers, and storytellers from diverse communities across the country performing and competing at the Fleadh.
Read more: What's behind the enduring popularity of the Fleadh Cheoil?
There is a traffic management plan in place in Wexford town with diversions, street closures and park and ride routes for visitors along with extra public transport services.
There will be around 1,000 volunteers to help visitors find their way around the many sessions that will include pub and street corners with dancing, singing, and lots of céilí bands.
This years theme is Fleadh for All; organisers Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann along with Wexford County Council hope this reflects the event's inclusive nature; they say seasoned attendees and first time visitors are all welcome to Wexford.
