Information for Cambridge Comhaltas Branch Members

Comhaltas annual memberships are now due!

Please complete a membership form and submit it along with the corresponding fee in cash to either Kathleen or Erin at the Rathmore Club by the October Half-term. Thank you! [adult membership form] [family membership form]

Exciting News!

We’re delighted to announce that we are welcoming a new teacher to our branch – Erin Hood, who will be offering banjo and mandolin lessons.

Erin previously taught in her home branch in Tyrone and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our teaching team. We’re very excited to have her join us here in Cambridge!

If you or someone you know is interested in banjo or mandolin lessons, please get in touch with me directly and I’ll put you in contact with Erin.

Stay Connected

Please help us spread the word by following and sharing our branch social media pages. Promotion is a team effort, and your support really helps!

I also have plenty of flyers and posters available – if you have a local noticeboard or community space where one could go up, please let me know. I’m usually at the Rathmore Club most weeks from 6pm if you’d like to collect some.

Upcoming Events – Autumn Term 2025

(Please add these to your diary!)

Sunday 26th October | 2:00–5:30pm
Irish & American Music Session – Free Event
The Rathmore Club, Cherry Hinton Road
Join us for an afternoon of live music featuring a mix of Irish Traditional and American roots styles (Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country).
Free entry – all welcome!
Hosted by Cambridge Comhaltas and Frank Corr.

Wednesday 29th October
No Lessons – Half Term Break

Sunday 2nd November | 2:00–4:00pm
PTA Céilí – St Philip’s School
St Philip’s School, Vinery Way, Cambridge
Join a lively and family-friendly PTA Céilí, with music and dancing for all!
£2 entry per person

Some of our young branch musicians will be playing for their very first céilí – go along and support them!

Friday 7th November | 7:00–9:45pm
Family Céilí – Cambridge TradFest November Céilí
St. Philip’s Church, 185 Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 3AN
Join us for an evening of traditional Irish music and dancing with The Magogs, featuring calling by Robin Gracey.
All ages and abilities welcome – all dances will be called.
Refreshments available from Cambridge Sustainable Food (with licensed bar).
After the céilí, join us for a music session at The Empress from 10pm.
Tickets: Click here

Sunday 16th November
Friendly Fleadh – North London Comhaltas
The Salvatorian College, Wealdstone
A great introduction to Fleadh competitions for younger musicians! Categories for U12, U15, and U18, plus beginner-friendly U7 and U9 options
Entry deadline: 19th October 2025 [entry form] Contact: Owen Condon – north.londoncce@yahoo.com
Note: No kitchen facilities available on site so either bring a pack lunch or there are plenty of shops nearby.

Our branch also hopes to enter the Grúpa Ceoil competition again this year – an 8-minute group performance. If your child (under 12) would like to take part, please speak to Sharon or Sylvie at the Rathmore Club as soon as possible.

Sunday 23rd November | from 11:30am
Cambridge Pop-Up Gaeltacht
The Rathmore Club, Cherry Hinton Road, CB1 7AA
We’re delighted to host our first ever Pop-Up Gaeltacht!
Come along for a relaxed gathering celebrating the Irish language – open to everyone, from fluent speakers to complete beginners.
Enjoy good company, conversation, and plenty of craic as we celebrate Gaeilge in Cambridge!

Saturday 6th December | Time TBC
Mill Road Winter Fair Performance
We’re putting together a group performance for this year’s Mill Road Winter Fair, followed by an informal session. Please save the date – more details to follow soon.

Wednesday 10th December | 7:00pm
Christmas Session & Party
The Rathmore Club
Join us for our end-of-year celebration!
Festive jumpers and hats encouraged
Please bring a raffle prize or food item for the buffet if you can – proceeds from the raffle help keep our branch funds healthy.

Looking Ahead to 2026

6th–8th February 2026
Cambridge TradFest 2026
Mill Road, Cambridge
A weekend of Irish music and dance right here in Cambridge! Expect great sessions, concerts, and community celebrations.

Sunday 19th April 2026
Midland Region Fleadh
Newman University, Birmingham
Regional competitions for all ages and instruments — a fantastic opportunity to take part and represent the branch.

Friday 26th – Sunday 28th June 2026
All Britain Fleadh
Venue TBC – London & Southern Area
The major annual competition for all UK branches — a vibrant weekend of music, song, and dance.

2nd–9th August 2026
All Ireland Fleadh – Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland
The biggest celebration of Irish traditional culture in the world — featuring competitions, concerts, and sessions throughout the week.

Irish Dance Classes in Cambridge

(Please note: these classes are not organised by Cambridge Comhaltas, but may be of interest to members.)

Monday Evenings | 7:00–8:00pm
Adult Irish Céilí Dancing with Bernie Cafferkey
Teversham Club, 4 Cherry Hinton Rd, Teversham, Cambridge CB1 9AQ
A friendly and welcoming class for adults interested in learning or practising traditional Irish céilí dancing.
Contact: ceili.cambs@gmail.com

Monthly Irish Set Dancing with Robin Gracey
St Philip’s Church, 185 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN
Next sessions: Tuesday 4th November & Tuesday 2nd December
Doors open at 7:30pm, dancing finishes by 9:45pm (venue closes at 10pm).
Robin has also started hosting occasional Sunday get-togethers — please contact him directly for more information.
Contact: robin.gracey@btinternet.com