The Erne Music Club in Belleek are gearing up for their Christmas extravaganza this week as they prepare for a festive concert that will take place in the Hotel Carlton this Saturday night.

Under the direction of musical directors Bernie McNulty, Michelle Gallagher and Megan Quinn, the cross-border, cross community musicians will celebrate five years of music in style. Dessie O'Halloran and friends will present the 'Waiting for you' traditional Irish concert with Ocean FM's Vince Hearns acting as MC for the night. The concert starts at 8.30pm and will include the beginners of the club led by Michelle Quinn, followed by more members under the direction of tutor Michelle Gallagher. Also lined up are Farrah Bogle on the fiddle backed up by her father Phonsie, Aidan Murphy for a session of songs and recitation, Garrison man Paddy Flanagan and seven of his grand-children and Kian and Caoimhe Kerins. After an interval, the audience can enjoy the sounds of Ben Lennon, Jim Connolly and Kevin Abeyta followed by the man himself, Dessie O'Halloran and friends. The Belcoo mummers will also entertain on the night. The Belleek Erne Music Club began in October 2001 with six children. Five years later and there are now 60 members aged six to 15. The expansion and success of the club is largely down to the input of its leader Bernie McNulty.

The group gathers weekly for tuition and members hail from the townlands and villages of Belleek, Garrison, Mulleek, Ballyshannon, Ballintra, Rossinver and Tullyrossmeran. The group incorporates six different schools and is both cross border and cross community. They meet monthly to perform for the community and they play a big part in the annual Christmas activities, entertaining the crowds as the lights get switched on in their respective villages and performing at senior citizens festive parties in the area. Among the instruments they play are the tin whistle, the piano accordion, the fiddle and the keyboard.