Excitement is mounting in Conamara as Ireland and Wales join forces again to record a bilingual cover of a hit song by Florence and the Machine.
Hundreds of Irish and Welsh students will take to the stage tonight in the Gaeltacht village of Indreabhán to perform 'Dog Days Are Over' in both their native languages.
The gala concert is the latest collaboration between Coláiste Lurgan and the Welsh youth organisation Urdd Gobaith Cymru.
Organisers say the initiative is part of a "shared vision" to showcase minority languages as living and breathing entities, ensuring that young people have the confidence to use Welsh and Irish in everyday life.
The students have been rehearsing all week and gave RTÉ News a sneak preview of what to expect.
Speaking about the musical collaboration, Mícheál Ó Foighil, Director of TG Lurgan, said the project is of "significant importance" to them and they are delighted to continue to strengthen the partnership.
"This project is a symbol of the deep cultural ties between our two countries. It shows how we can learn from each other and emphasises the strength and increasing relevance of our languages, breaking down language barriers in an ever changing physical and online world.
"This latest event not only demonstrates the talent of young people from Lurgan and Wales, but also the deep affection they hold for their native culture and arts."
Luned Hunter, International Officer at Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said the Welsh language belongs to everyone, adding that they know "how important the Irish language is to the people of Ireland".
She said: "The Urdd and TG Lurgan have a shared vision - by showcasing both languages as the dynamic and relevant languages they are, we're giving young people the confidence to use them widely in their everyday life.
"What better medium than pop music to spread the word and widen the appeal? To continue this project is hugely exciting for us and we already look forward to future collaborations with TG Lurgan."
The bilingual musical projects first got under way during the Covid-19 pandemic and have been going viral across video and music streaming services.
The Urdd and Coláiste Lurgan have released seven co-productions to date.
In June the 'Gaelic Cowboys' travelled to the Urdd residential centre in Glan-llyn near Bala, in north Wales, and recorded a rousing version of 'Texas Hold 'Em' from Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album.
Speaking about the project, First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said: "One of the many things Wales and Ireland have in common is how music is central to our national identities.
"It’s wonderful to see young people from Wales and Ireland coming together through the power of song.
"I’m so pleased to see this project going from strength-to-strength and I'm sure the latest collaboration will be another huge success. Da iawn pawb."
Around 500 people are expected to attend tonight's concert, which begins at 8pm.
The féile provides an opportunity for young people to perform popular songs in Welsh and Irish, as well as original songs.
The finale will feature performances by professional bands.
