Orchestrating Community Festival Dec 5-7 2025
Ballintogher, Co. Sligo
Celebrating youth, music and creativity in the heart of Sligo.
Featuring the 80-member Ceol na nÓg Trad Orchestra –
Inspiring the next generation of traditional musicians across the North-West.
‘Orchestrating Community’ Festival 2025 brings Ballintogher alive with music, dance, and creativity from 5–7 December. Built around the Ceol na nÓg Trad Orchestra, the festival features concerts, workshops, lectures, and family events — from intimate sessions to the premiere of *Innisfree: Reflections on an Enchanted Lake* by Michael Rooney. The festival champions inclusion and accessibility through free community events, community partnerships, and creative opportunities for all ages. Presented by Ballintogher Community Enterprise in partnership with Ceol na nÓg Orchestra and The Arts Council of Ireland.
Festival Events & Ticket Booking
Orchestrating Community Gala Concert
A spectacular evening of music and creativity as part of the Orchestrating Community Festival 2025.
Join the Ceol na nÓg Orchestra, guest composers Michael Rooney and Ryan Molloy, and special guests for the premiere of Innisfree: Reflections on an Enchanted Lake — a new orchestral work inspired by Yeats’ iconic poem and the landscapes of Sligo, composed by Michael
📅 Saturday 6 December 2025
🕖 7:00 – 9:00pm
📍 Ballintogher Community Centre, F91 XW71
💶 €15 per ticket
Performers include:
🎵 Michael Rooney – Harp
🎵 Ryan Molloy – Piano
🎵 Niamh Crowley – Violin
🎵 June McCormack – Flute
💃 Edwina Guckian – Dancer
🎻 Ceol na nÓg Youth Orchestra (Senior & Junior)
Presented by Ballintogher Community Enterprise in partnership with Ceol na nÓg Orchestra
Orchestrating Community Friday night Music Recital
Music Recital – Ava & Aaron Glancy with Owen Smith
Description:
Experience an evening of exceptional traditional music with the 2025 Senior All-Ireland Duet champions Ava & Aaron Glancy (Fiddle & Accordion) and Owen Smith (Bouzouki).
📅 Friday 5 December
🕖 7:00–8:30pm
📍 Ballintogher Enterprise Centre, F91 C2HT
💶 €12
Presented by Ballintogher Community Enterprise in partnership with Ceol na nÓg Orchestra
Flute & Tin Whistle Workshop – Shauna Cullen
Description:
A hands-on workshop for intermediate and advanced players led by All Ireland Shauna Cullen.
📅 Saturday 6 December
🕚 11:00am–1:00pm
📍 Ballintogher Enterprise Centre
💶 €12 per participant – open to adults and children.
Presented by Ballintogher Community Enterprise in partnership with Ceol na nÓg Orchestra
Try the Bodhrán! – Junior Davey
Description:
Discover rhythm with All-Ireland champion Junior Davey in this free beginner-friendly class.
📅 Saturday 6 December
🕚 Sessions at 11:00am & 12:00pm
📍 Ballintogher Enterprise Centre
💶 Free – instruments provided.
Presented by Ballintogher Community Enterprise in partnership with Ceol na nÓg Orchestra
Try the Bodhrán! – Junior Davey
Description:
Discover rhythm with All-Ireland champion Junior Davey in this free beginner-friendly class.
📅 Saturday 6 December
🕚 Sessions at 11:00am & 12:00pm
📍 Ballintogher Enterprise Centre
💶 Free – instruments provided.
Presented by Ballintogher Community Enterprise in partnership with Ceol na nÓg Orchestra
Community Lecture – Music & Dance in Irish Folk Tradition
Description:
An inspiring talk by Edwina Guckian, exploring how music and dance have shaped Irish folk traditions.
📅 Saturday 6 December
🕓 4:00–5:00pm
📍 Ballintogher Enterprise Centre, F91 C2HT
💶 Free event.
Presented by Ballintogher Community Enterprise in partnership with Ceol na nÓg Orchestra
Trad for Tots – Family Music & Dance
Description:
A joyful morning for young children (ages 2–6) and their families, led by Eimear Mulvey, with music provided by Sean Carroll & Mossie Martin..
📅 Sunday 7 December Time 12pm-2pm
📍 Ballintogher Community Centre
💶 €5 per adult – Tots aged 2-6 free.
Time 12pm-2pm
Presented by Ballintogher Community Enterprise in partnership with Ceol na nÓg Orchestra