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The people using music at the Fleadh to bring others together

Bernie AllenBBC News NI
BBC Women dance in red and yellow dresses as musicians pay behind themBBC
Tunes Translated is an intercultural music integration project that brings together migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers with the indigenous population of Belfast

As the largest Irish music festival in the world, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, continued in Belfast on Saturday, those in attendance were also able to experience music from other countries and cultures throughout the world.

Tunes Translated is an intercultural music integration project that brings together migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers with the indigenous population of Belfast.

On Saturday the group hosted a concert and its organiser Catherine Crean said there were 22 different nationalities performing in the band.

She said they use "indigenous and international music" to bring those groups of people together.

"This is the first Fleadh we have performed in and it's been crazy, we have had an event every single day. I just think it's been amazing.

"Music is such a powerful tool for integration as it's a universal language. We specifically take tunes from the participants home countries. We play their tunes, and they play our tunes."

'This is my first Fleadh – I've loved it'

Attendance numbers at the Fleadh has so far exceeded expectations.

The organising hosts - Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and Ards CCÉ - had originally predicted about 800,000 visitors over the eight days.

But the Belfast One Business Improvement District has already recorded a total footfall of 900,020 in the city centre from Sunday 2 August to Thursday 6 August.

The Department for the Economy (DfE) had originally predicted a £53m economic boost but on Friday it said that prediction looks set to be exceeded.

The All-Ireland competitions continued on Saturday, with 5,000 musicians and dancers from 22 countries taking part, as well as street performances and pop-up fringe events on the outskirts of the city.

A man with dark hair looking at the camera, he is wearing a black top
Shayan Kargaran said "music has helped me interact more here"

Shayan Kargaran is originally from Iran. He plays the piano and guitar and has introduced several Iranian tunes to the group.

"It's been brilliant learning Irish music, very beautiful – I love the music. Since the day I listened to it I've loved it."

"Music has helped me interact more here – I've almost found my family – it's more than a group for us.

"This is my first Fleadh – I've loved it."

'Music is universal'

Susan Curran is from Northern Ireland and has been playing the fiddle with Tunes Translated for over three years and says the group was very welcoming:

"It has given me such an appreciation for the beautiful music that is coming from Iran, Sudan, Somalia and Palestine.

"Music is such a universal thing – there are challenges in learning the different beats and lilts. It's an eye opener and your ear almost has to do a little different bit of a job."