Laois Le Chéile returns to Laois Music Centre on Saturday 7 June with free workshops and performances for families and all the community!
Laois Le Chéile 2025, Saturday 7 June
1pm-6pm
All events are free of charge! Workshop spaces are on a first-come, first serve basis!
Performances
DP Kidz – 1pm
Launch of 2 new songs composed by children from Abbeyleix and Portlaoise, ‘Go with the Flow’ and ‘Rose in a Cage’, facilitated by MG Laois Musician Educators Nuala Kelly and Denise Boyle, supported by CYPSE Laois-Offaly and Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Young musicians will perform alongside Le Chéile House Band.
Bass Brothers – 1:15pm
Bass Brothers are a group of young musicians from Music Generation Laois’ partnership programme with Laois Traveller Action Group. Cousins, Tony, Martin and James will perform country classics, alongside Le Chéile House Band.
Malva Ukrainian Choir – 1:30pm
Malva Ukrainian Community Choir was set up in 2022 under the direction of Natalia Rehesha, with supports from Music Generation Laois. The choir have performed at events and concerts throughout Laois and nationally, and perform a combination of vibrant traditional Ukrainian folk songs and Irish songs.
Bells Ukrainian Children’s Choir – 1:45pm
Under the direction of Oksana Biechvaia, Bells Childrens Choir perform Ukrainian and Irish Folk Songs, combined with dance and movement. Bells rehearse weekly in Laois Music Centre, supported by Music Generation Laois.
MGL Jnr Harp Ensemble – 2pm
Music Generation Laois’ Junior Harp Ensemble is a dynamic group of up-and-coming young harpers from County Laois. Ranging in age from 9-13, this ensemble has performed at various events including Cáirde ná Cruite’s International Festival for Irish Harp in Co Louth. Young harpers attend weekly classes in Laois Music Centre and in MGL’s primary schools programme.
Inisowiacy – 2:15pm
Traditional Polish singing with live musical accompaniment from Inisowiacy.
Open Mic – 2:30pm
Come along and give our Open Mic a try with Le Chéile House Band.
All ages welcome – you know you want to!
The Big Le Chéile Sing with Music Generation Laois Primary Schools and Laois Community Choir – 3pm
Over 100 voices will raise the roof with a selection of popular songs for all to enjoy. Accompanied by Le Chéile House Band, this performance is sure to spread the joy of singing far and wide. Laois Community Choir is directed by MG Laois’ Nuala Kelly, and supported by Laois Offaly Education and Training Board Community Education. Schools who take part in Music Generation Laois’ Schools Singing Programme will join Laois Community Choir for our Big Le Chéile Sing.
Seán Keane – 3:30pm
Galway Trad/Folk Singer Seán Keane and his band will join us for a very special concert at this year’s Laois Le Chéile. Séan grew up in County Galway in a family of singers and musicians and learned the Sean-nós style of singing from his mother and his aunts.While his roots are in old Ireland with the Keane family tradition of Sean-nós singing, his voice lends itself beautifully to many different genres and his skill on the flute, whistles and pipes with which he punctuates songs, make his work unforgettable.
Le Chéile Closing Party – An Ceilí Mór – 4:45pm
Join our Laois Le Chéile Closing Party, with legendary Ceilí Master, Maureen Culliton. Open to all, from complete beginners to regular dancers, Maureen will guide festival-goers in Ceilí classics including ‘The Siege of Ennis’ and ‘Shoe the Donkey.’ This promises to be a fun-filled ending to Laois Le Chéile 2025.
Workshops
Workshop spaces are on a first-come, first serve basis!
World Drumming with Eddie O Neill – 1pm, 1.45pm and 2.30pm
World Drumming workshop with Eddie O Neill, fun inclusive workshop, drums provided. Parent/guardians welcome to join-in.
Age: 5 upwards
Duration: 30 minutes
Ta Tum Tum! Early Years Music – 1pm
Ta Tum Tum presents an engaging, interactive performance that brings the vibrant rhythms and culture of Brazil to life. Explore your creativity and rhythm skills, all while having fun and moving to the beat of Brazil! Ta Tum Tum encourages active participation, inviting audiences of all ages to sing, move and explore body percussion alongside the performers. All children are to be accompanied by parents/guardians.
Age: 0-6
Duration: 45mins
Inisowiacy – Interactive Polish Folk Music and Dance workshop – 1pm
Inisowiacy, a Polish Folk group based in County Clare presents a fun encounter of Polish culture through traditional singing, dancing, games, and stories suitable for both children and their guardians. Workshop will be delivered in Polish and English. Children are to be accomppanied by a guardian.
Age: 3-13
Duration: 45mins
Melody in Dance and Music – 1pm and 2:15pm
Age: 8-13
Duration: 1 hour
Bodhrán Workshop – 1pm, 1:45pm and 2:30pm
Join Colm Phelan, Musician Educator with Music Generation Laois and member of trad supergroup Goitse, for a bodhrán workshop. This workshop will include an introduction to basic rhythms and is suitable for all – those who can play the bodhrán and complete beginners! Bodhráns provided!
Age: 6 upwards
Duration: 30 minutes
Crafting – 1-3pm
A range of craft options are available from polymer clay-making to hair braiding, slime-making and recycling materials to craft your own unique creation. Bring your imagination and get creative!