Belfast to host World Irish Dancing Championships

Belfast is set to host the 34th World Irish Dancing Championships - Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne - in April.

The event, which is being staged at the Waterfront Hall and was last staged in the city in 2000, is expected to attract more than 4,000 dancers to compete in 35 competitions over eight days, from April 4-11.

Commenting on the event coming to Belfast, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Martin Morgan, said that everyone in the City was looking forward to welcoming once again the cream of the world’s dancers to Belfast.

“When the Championships last came to the City, in the year 2000, it was the biggest event in Oireachtas history. We are looking forward to repeating that success, by hosting a competition that is bigger and better than ever before – and especially to our own dancers not only competing with the best in the world but once again keeping many titles at home."

The event was first staged in 1970 and this year’s Championships is expected to be the biggest event yet, with competitors from as far afield as north America, Australasia and, for the first time, South Africa, as well as all parts of the British Isles.

To earn the right to participate in the World Championships, thousands of dancers take part in 28 international qualifying events – and more than half of those competing at the Waterfront Hall next month will have travelled from outside the island Ireland.

(MB)