Irish Heritage Day 2024
Welcome to Fanshawe Pioneer Village on August 18th, 2024
Where you will be transported to experience a taste of Ireland right in our own back yard. Gates open at 10am. We will be there til 4:00pm.
Check back often to see who all will be attending and performing. Full program of events shown below.
What to expect on the day.
Discover the Thrill of Ancient Irish Games: Hurling and Gaelic Football
Experience the excitement and passion of ancient Irish sports that have captivated audiences for centuries. Join us for a thrilling showcase of Hurling and Gaelic Football, where tradition meets high-octane action. It’ll be great fun. Maybe try it yourself.
Hurling: The Fastest Field Sport in the World.
Hurling, one of Ireland's oldest and most celebrated sports, is a fast-paced game that combines the skills of hockey, lacrosse, and baseball. With its origins tracing back over 3,000 years, hurling is deeply rooted in Irish culture and heritage. Watch as players, equipped with wooden sticks called hurleys and a small ball known as a sliotar, display incredible speed, agility, and precision in this exhilarating contest.
Gaelic Football: The Heartbeat of Irish Sport.
Gaelic Football, a dynamic blend of soccer, rugby, and basketball, is the heartbeat of Irish sport. This ancient game, with roots dating back to the 16th century, showcases the athleticism and teamwork of its players. Witness the excitement as teams battle it out, using their hands and feet to pass and score goals, in a thrilling display of skill and strategy.
The recently founded London Irish GAA will be around to answer all your questions and to show you some basics. They will demonstrate a short game of hurling and Gaelic football.
Happening at 2PM in the back fields.
Celina’s String Studio
Added for 2024 Celina will be on site with some of her music students and step-dancers. You’ll see first-hand how the students are taught and get to experience their sound during the day as they busk throughout the grounds. In the morning and afternoon they’ll put on a show for us at the Gazebo. You won’t want to miss it.
Celebrating Irish Culture with the London Irish Folk Club
For over 15 years, the London Irish Folk Club (LIFC) has been a vibrant beacon of Irish culture in the London area, dedicated to celebrating and sharing the rich traditions of Ireland. The club’s mission is to bring the many facets of Irish heritage to life through engaging workshops, dynamic lessons, lively ceilis, and a variety of cultural events that both enrich the community and celebrate the spirit of Ireland.
The LIFC is a cornerstone for anyone interested in delving into Irish culture, particularly its music and language. Our dedicated members are not only passionate about their heritage but also serve as invaluable resource personnel. They offer their expertise and enthusiasm to teach and guide others, ensuring that the essence of Irish culture is accessible to all. Whether you are a novice eager to learn or an aficionado looking to deepen your knowledge, the LIFC provides a welcoming space for everyone.
Our workshops and events are meticulously crafted to offer authentic experiences, from traditional music sessions and dance classes to Gaelic language lessons and historical explorations. We also direct interested parties to other Irish happenings and resources within the greater London community, creating a network of cultural appreciation and participation.
This August, we are thrilled to take part in the Irish Heritage Day, showcasing the best of Irish culture. Join us and experience the magic of Ireland through captivating performances, educational workshops, and community celebrations. The LIFC invites you to be a part of our vibrant community and discover the timeless charm and rich traditions of Irish culture.
Come celebrate with us and be inspired by the passion and dedication of the London Irish Folk Club.
Ceili Dancing at 12:30PM beside the Talbot Tavern.
Irish language lesson at 1:45PM in the School House.
Irish Dancers
The Goggin Stewart School of Irish Dance will take the stage twice during the day. They’re always a hit and will definitely get your toes tapping and hands clapping.
They’ll be on the deck opposite the green space at noon and 2PM.
Feed the Ducks
Don’t actually feed them. This dynamic duo will be on hand to entertain with gusto. Devon Martene is an amazing fiddler of Steel City Rovers fame. You definitely won’t want to miss them.
Catch them in the Orange Lodge around 11:30 AM and again at the Gazebo at 3:00 PM
Paddy Murphy’s Ghost
Hailing from the East Coast of Canada, Ireland and small towns in Ontario, Paddy Murphy’s Ghost has landed in London ON. Foot stomping, soul stirring and just wonderful Irish & East Coast music is what they do. You definitely won’t want to miss this opportunity to sing along with them. Maybe even dance a jig or two.
There’s two chances to see them play:
11:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Gazebo
