Without doubt, 2007 is the year in which the Leeds Gathering festival established itself as one of the premier Irish festivals outside Ireland itself. Celebrating a wide range of Irish culture and arts, The Gathering took place over eleven days in front of capacity crowds in venues across Leeds.
The event was launched at the Leeds Irish Centre with guest speakers Derek Hannon (Embassy of Ireland), Sean Stowell (BBC Leeds), Professor David Cooper (University of Leeds), Rehana Minhas (Education Leeds) and Stephen Harrison MBE (Director, Manx National Heritage).
Following the launch, two lectures from Dr Frank Sweeney who looked at changing life in Donegal in the last century and Stephen Harrison who took us on a journey of reminiscence of the music scene in Leeds in the 60's & 70's took place to a full auditorium at the newly established SEVEN arts centre in Chapel Allerton.
A packed weekend of events was highlighted by Jim Doody's launch of some fine artwork in the relaxed atmosphere of the Flux Gallery in Hyde Park. Jim also starred with Vincent Brady at the singers session at Dare Café on Sunday afternoon followed by the traditional sessions at Trio. Also on Sunday, The Wonderful World of Words featured an impressive line up of literary artists celebrating Ireland through the spoken word.
The following week featured a wide range of event styles from the chart topping Irish band The Aftermath to an album launch from Sam Proctor and Chris O'Malley and the sell out concert on Friday starring Lunasa & The Luke Daniels Band where over 350 people enjoyed the finest of traditional Irish music on offer.
Other highlights of the festival included the screening of the film about the popular Irish Folk singer, Liam Clancy; the UK Premiere by Traveller Wagon Wheel Theatre of 'Mobile' at Otley Courthouse starring Michael Collins ( Johnny Collins in RTE series Glenroe) , the 'Schools Gathering' involving over 400 young people furthering their knowledge of Irish arts and culture, the many traditional Irish music sessions around the city as well the landmark Ireland: Celebrating Peace, Embracing Change conference which took place at the Civic Hall.
The Leeds Gathering exists to celebrate Irish Arts in general and to introduce the vibrancy of this artistic heritage to new audiences in particular. Few could argue that this event did not deliver on both levels.