The Celtic and Irish Cultural Society receives funds from the Irish government to support its objectives in the area and fund the Crawley Fleadh Week.

THE DION COMMITTEE, based at the Irish Embassy in London, recommended to the Irish Government that funds should be made available to fund the Crawley Fleadh and assist in the running of the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society. Dion funds support activities organised in support of the Irish community in Britain.

Partnership with the Dion Committee provides unique funding for the aspirations of Crawley’s sizeable Irish community. It will allow a greater investment in community events and ease the financial constraints that many arts based groups face. Funding for 2005 amounts to Stg£5000.

The Crawley Fleadh Week provides cultural events leading into the 10th annual Crawley Irish Festival. The 2005 event will be Crawley’s second, providing a mix of informative historical discussions, dance, music, cookery and arts. In addition, the second Crawley Fleadh will uniquely target young people and families with a Celtic Art Workshop, a concert evening and a workshop of Irish musical instruments.

Founding chairman of the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society, Bob Martin, commented:

“The Society is yet to reach its 2nd birthday yet we have received substantial support. The support of the Dion Committee adds to the support of Tourism Ireland received in June. These additional funds will assist in organising the Crawley Fleadh and in making the 10th Crawley Irish Festival the biggest and best ever”

The Crawley Fleadh takes place between Saturday 20th August and Sunday 28th August 2005, culminating at the Crawley Irish Festival on Sunday 28th August.