Laois can look forward to hosting one of the biggest events on the Irish music caldender next year, drawing big crowds in the process, when it hosts the Leinster Fleadh Cheoil.

The news has caused great delight among the members of Portlaoise Comhaltas, who are already getting ready for the festival of Irish traditional music and much more besides this summer.

The Fleadh competition will be held over the weekend of July 8 to July 11 2011.

Last  year's Fleadh drew 1,200 competitors from Louth to Wexford.

This year will be a significant one both for Laois and the national Comhaltas group as it will be the 50th anniversary of the foundation of Laois County Board by branches from Clonaslee, Portarlington and Portlaoise. In addition An Comhaltas will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.

It is hoped that these celebrations will offer a unique opportunity to involve all branches in the county to participate in the build up by organising events in their own areas.

Organising such an event will require a lot of effort from many volunteers, including organising logistics, sponsorships and fundraising to begin with.

Portlaoise Comhaltas hope that the weekend will not only involve the Fleadh which will be jam-packed with traditional Irish music, song and dance; but will also incorporate the facilities and support of the local community, Portlaoise Town Council, Portlaoise Business and Trade Association and Laois Tourism among others.

This year’s Leinster Fleadh will give Portlaoise a festival feel and will be including impromptu sessions as well as traditional dancing venues throughout the town.