#11 VIPs in Belfast!

By Molly D Pelan

6/7/20262 min read

It is very busy at Ards Comhaltas at the minute. I am part of a music group and we are preparing for the County Down Fleadh which takes place next month. In addition to all the practicing, the Comhaltas encourages us to perform at events whenever they arise. For example, we performed at Bangor Castle last month and then there are often seisiúns at the Imperial Bar in Bangor.

Recently, we were informed there was a 'special event' coming up. There wasn't much more information than that. We just knew that there would be VIPs there. We were all wondering who they might be! The day before the big event, any large instruments, like my harp, had to be collected and specially delivered early.

On the morning, we were told to make our way to the Titanic Quarter in Belfast and to the site of HMS Caroline. That's me in front of HMS Caroline. If you look closely, you can see both of the famous yellow Harland & Wolff cranes too. It was very exciting. There were lots of visitors and guests but there was also a lot security and media people in the area too. I could see BBC cameras, Sky news and many more.

The Comhaltas musicians had a large room inside HMS Caroline where we tuned our instruments and warmed up. When we were ready, we made our way outside and waited for the guests to arrive. After a while, a lot of police motorcycles appeared along with the VIPs and we started to play 'The Star of the County Down...'

King Charles III and Queen Camila were visiting N Ireland and attended this event to celebrate the Fleadh coming to Belfast for the first time. My Daddy took these photos. As you can see, I met the Queen and he met the King!

The atmosphere was amazing. Apart from the walkway where we were, a special covered stage was created and a senior Comhaltas music group played and Irish dancers performed.

The rain mostly stayed away that morning and the event was a great success. There was a real buzz and, for the first time, I started to get really excited for the Fleadh coming this summer.