Since it's initiation some years ago The Belleek and Mulleek Traditional Music Festival has been creating a special niche for itself in the in the Irish Traditional Music Festival calendar. The occasion has gained the reputation of a relaxed atmosphere, comsummate hospitality and traditional music second to none.

The festival weekend has become a Mecca for patrons who wish to savour the subtle details of this music mode and renew old acquaintances while aficionados can embellish their knowledge of this Gaelic art and increase their repertoire of beautiful Irish airs.

The Belleek and Mulleek Traditional Music festival will be held this year from 5th to 7th of June 2009.

Kevin Loughlin and a small group of traditional music devotees have again put together an awesome array talent in this most Irish of music modes and the festival promises to provide a banquet for the 'traditional' connoisseur.

Some of the finest exponents of this noble Gaelic melody will avail of the hospitality of this picturesque border village for the duration of the festival.

This year there is something of a global flavour to the festival with the presence Mick Foster and Moira Fraser of "Foster & Allen" fame and international renown, gracing the podium in the border village. Also present will be the famous and very talented duo of Larry Gavin and Michéal Ó Rourke representing the traditional stronghold of County Clare.

Relax and enjoy some of the exquisite music from their recently recorded new album 'Two Miles from Tulla'. Illustrating the wonders of the west will be John G Walsh and his daughter Marie from Galway.

Another household name to embellish the enviorns of Belleek will be Roscommon flute player Patsy Hanley and his gifted county associate Frank Kelly on accordion.

The contingent from the native county will be led by current All-Ireland senior accordion champion Darren Breslin, the inimitable Annette Owens, the emerging talent of the Maguire family from Derygonnelly and Brendan Leonard from Leitrim.

Returning again this year will be will be the impressive flute player from Sligo, Pauraic Kerins and capable Tyrone box player Mickey Curran.

An abundance of homegrown talent and performers from neighbouring areas will also attend with the pride of Leitrim Cashelard and Pettigo combining with local proficionados to contribute to what will undoubtedly be a weekend to remember.

"This festival is somewhat unique in that it is essentially a celebration of music and song and musicians showcase the very finest talents currently in vogue in the traditional music scene in Ireland," said Kevin who hails from Belleek and whose talent has placed the border village firmly on the traditional music map.

Kevin has performed over the years with the cream of Irish talent and for many years with another Belleek legend the late John Joe Gordon.

Kevin's daughter Fiona Ó Loughlin is only one of a host of exceptionally talented young musicians who will perform in Belleek for the duration of the festival. Kevin intimates that festivals such as these, free from incumbance of officialdom where talented youth absorb the Musical heritage in the traditional fashion, play a major part in the handing down of this uniquely Gaelic tradition.

He says that he is delighted to see so many young musicians emerging in recent years.

The tradition created by a host of adult musicians with whom he played over the years has now been handed down to a new generation of young performers such as Farah Bogle and the emerging talent in the local Erne Music Club.

Kevin also points to the great musical tradition in this area from the Pettigo hills to the broad atlantic and back amongst the homely hills and rugged glens of Manach and Meilges' domains.

Musicians gather in hospitable surroundings with appreciative and enthusiastic audiences who savour the music and the distinctive atmosphere created in this festival. More than fifty musicians will attend this year's celebrations.

Belleek and Mulleek will also feature strongly with the irrepressible Kevin and daughter Fiona leading a host of local musicians.

Sunday evening will be Céilí time from 7-10pm in Hotel Carlton followed by the grand finale. Belleek then will be the Mecca for traditional music enthusiasts fro 5th to 7th June this year with a bonanza of talent and a relaxed atmosphere in this pretty hamlet with traditional theme village aspect.

Good craic, good company with the finest of traditional music will again embellish the pondering, shimmering Erne and artfully compliment the local porcelain handcrafting tradition.

This is very much a community festival being sponsored solely by local contribution. The organising committee are very grateful for the very generous support of local business especially the catering sector and for the excellent response to the fund-raiser now in circulation.

The very beautiful prizes for this endeavour were very generously donated by The Hotel Carlton, The renowned Belleek Pottery Ltd and by local contribution.

Beidh fáilte roimh gach éinne.