Cambridge Comhaltas

Josie Nugent is giving a talk today about the integration of Irish session rituals and her first instrument, the fiddle, with Group music therapy practice.

Venue: Cambridgeshire Music, New School Road, Histon, CB24 9LL
Time: 4.30pm, 31 July 2026

The Down Right Musical Trio will be present to help facilitate musical activities during the talk and showcase what can be achieved.

Friday 31st July- 4.30pm- 6pm

The Fiddle and Irish Traditional Session Rituals as Integrative Tools in Group Music Therapy

Presented by Dr Josie Nugent, Music Therapist & Irish Fiddle Player

Join award-winning musician, music therapist and researcher Dr Josie Nugent for a fascinating exploration of how the Irish fiddle and traditional session practices can be used as powerful therapeutic tools in group music therapy. Drawing on her experience as both an Irish traditional musician and clinician, Josie will share insights from her work with young people with learning difficulties in Northern Ireland, illustrating how music, ritual and shared creative experiences can foster connection, communication and wellbeing. Through reflective case examples and practical discussion, this engaging presentation offers a unique perspective on the intersection of traditional music, community and therapeutic practice, making it an unmissable session for musicians, educators, therapists and anyone interested in the wider impact of music.

Cambridgeshire Music, New School Road, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9L

Email- [email protected] for more details

We are just two weeks away from our summer course!!

Are you coming? If not, why not? This is such a fantastic opportunity to learn something new and be part of an awesome ensemble at the end of it.

Email below to sign up now!!
[email protected]

Many of you remember Josie Nugent, our wonderful branch fiddle teacher for 8 years. She’s now a music therapist in Ireland working with SEN children, and she’s bringing a brilliant trio over to perform at the Cambridge Folk Festival!

They’ve set up a GoFundMe to help cover their travel expenses. If you can chip in to support them, please do!

https://gofund.me/5e99d9651

We can't wait to welcome Josie back to Cambridge for the second time this year (following our Tradfest in February)! ❤️

Donate to Help Down Right Musical Trio Take Their Tunes on Tour!, organized by Caoimhe O Brien Hello everyone! We are the Down Right Musical Trio, a trad… Caoimhe O Brien needs your support for Help Down Right Musical Trio Take Their Tunes on Tour!

🎶 WHAT A WEEKEND AT THE ALL-BRITAIN FLEADH! 🎶

A massive well done to every single competitor who traveled to represent Cambridge CCÉ! You absolutely smashed it, and we are so proud of how brilliantly you represented our branch.

A huge well done to our incredible 12-15 Céilí Band and our 12-15 Grúpaí Ceoil for your fantastic group performances! 🎻🪗🥁

An absolute mountain of gratitude goes to Sylvie for all her endless hard work putting these two groups together and getting everyone ready for the big stage. Events like this don't just happen, and we are so incredibly lucky to have you!

🏆 The Results 🏆
The official individual results are in, and we are thrilled to announce that our 1st and 2nd place winners have officially qualified for the All-Ireland Fleadh in Belfast this August!

🥇 1st Place (All-Ireland Qualifiers)
Sylvie Snowdon – Piano (O18)
Reuben Barrett-Thoburn – Bodhrán (Under 12)
Lucy Brown – Lilting (Under 12)
Lucy Brown – Sean-Nós Dancing (Under 12)

🥈 2nd Place (All-Ireland Qualifiers)
Miriam Barrett-Thoburn – Concertina (12-15)
Lucy Brown – English Singing (Ladies) (Under 12)
Reuben Barrett-Thoburn – English Singing (Men) (Under 12)

🥉 3rd Place
Lorcan Carvill – Uilleann Pipes (12-15)
Lorcan Carvill – Whistle Slow Airs (12-15)

❤️ THANK YOU TO OUR BRANCH COMMUNITY ❤️

We also want to say a huge thank you to all of our dedicated teachers who prepare our competitors so beautifully, and to the brilliant parents and supporters of the branch for your endless driving, tuning, and backing.

Next stop: Belfast! 💚👏

Online Early-Bird wristband sales for the All-Britain Fleadh 2026 close today, Monday 22nd June, at 5:00 PM.

If you are traveling to Essex this weekend, buying your wristbands online right now ensures you secure the best rate and avoid the ticket queues at the door.

Event Details:
Dates: Friday, 26th June – Sunday, 28th June 2026
Venue: Brentwood County High School, Seven Arches Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4JF

Online Early Bird Rates (Closing today at 5:00 PM):
Adult Weekend: £20 (Save £5 vs. door price)
Adult Day: £15 (Save £5 vs. door price)
Junior Weekend: £10 (Save £5 vs. door price)
Junior Day: £7 (Save £3 vs. door price)

Note: Student wristbands are available online only and cannot be purchased at the door.

Secure your wristbands before the 5:00 PM deadline:
https://www.comhaltas.co.uk/all-britain-fleadh-2026-wristbands

For full event information, timetables, and details, visit the main Fleadh page:
https://www.comhaltas.co.uk/allbritainfleadh

*URGENT*

I'm sorry to inform you that all Comhaltas activities (lessons, sessions) at the Rathmore Club tonight have had to be cancelled due to a clash with a football match showing.

We're currently working on an alternative plan for the youth groups to rehearse ahead of the Fleadh, and will be in touch about this in the relevant WhatsApp group.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

With best wishes,
Barry
Secretary, Cambridge Comhaltas

Good luck to our members taking their SCT music exams today!

Ádh mór! Wishing the best of luck to all candidates sitting their SCT Irish Music Graded Exams this week.

Months of practice and preparation have gone into getting ready for these assessments, and we want to acknowledge the dedication of all the students, teachers, and families involved.

Take a deep breath and trust the work you've put in. Go lonraí sibh go geal! 🎻🎶

https://www.comhaltas.co.uk/education