The Sam Henry Weekend is back

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed whistle and flute player Brian Finnegan, the outstanding band Garadice, and a host of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians are coming to Portrush as the Sam Henry Weekend celebrates its fifth year.

With around 100 musicians taking part, our own North Coast Fleadh is set to bring the town alive with music, song and dance – and the celebrations begin this Sunday, 13th September, with the Sam Henry Big Céilí!

The main festival weekend takes place from 25th–27th September, with a wonderful programme of concerts, workshops, sessions, walking tours, heritage and community events celebrating renowned Coleraine man Sam Henry.

Organisers say they are indebted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the local venue partners for helping to make this year’s festival possible.

Artistic Director Sorcha Meehan commented, “Our Irish Traditional and Ulster Scots heritage here in the north of Ireland will be well and truly celebrated.

“All our artists represent the crème de la crème of the traditional and Ulster Scots scene. We have ensured that there are family-friendly events and opportunities for everyone to take part.

“There is a real buzz about the Sam Henry Weekend. Isn’t it fantastic that a Coleraine man is the centre of so much inspiration and a great way to celebrate our local community?”

With Sam Henry also being honoured with a blue plaque in 2026, the magnificent collection preserved by Coleraine Museum and the festival now celebrating its fifth year, there is a real resurgence of interest in this remarkable Coleraine man and the extraordinary legacy he left behind.

Celebrations kick off this Sunday, 13th September, with the Sam Henry Big Céilí at St. Patrick’s Parochial Hall, Portrush, from 3–6pm.

More in this week's Chronicle and Northern Constitution