Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will not take place in Mullingar in 2021

The All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil will not take place in 2021, it has been confirmed.

The event was due to take place in Mullingar, but organisers Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE) have now confirmed that there will be no physical celebration in 2021.

“ The Fleadh Cheoil as we know it will not in 2021 be possible in each county, province and at national level,” the CCE said.

It's another massive blow for the hospitality sector in Westmeath – which has been devastated by COVID-19.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2020 had been scheduled for August in Mullingar, and did not proceed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

A huge community, business and statutory effort had been made to secure the Fleadh for Mullingar and to take on the massive logistical task of organising the event.

It was expected to make a major financial contribution to business coffers in the county.

The 2019 Fleadh in Drogheda attracted 750,000 people, with up to 25% out-of-state, and providing €50 million for the region.

After the cancellation of the 2020 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar, CCE shortly afterwards confirmed that the 2021 incarnation would take place in Mullingar between Sunday, August 1 and August 9, 2021.

However today's announcement means that it too is cancelled.

A statement from CCE said it would be replaced by FleadhFest which it said was “a factual-virtual celebration of the Fleadh at all levels which will depict the vitality and universal appeal of Irish culture.”

The statement described the planned FleadhFest as “one of the most interesting and comprehensive cultural responses to Covid-19nationwide and among the Irish diaspora”.

It said FleadhFest would link the Irish fireside with the world stage.

“FleadhFest will build a bridge of renewal with millions of Fleadh fans worldwide. Communities at home and abroad will have the opportunity to introduce their favourite musicians, dancers, singers, poets and storytellers to our world neighbours.”