CLARE MELA
2025
An Award-Winning event
A day of music, dance and aerial

Shannon Town Park, County Clare
Monday 2 June
12pm – 5.30pm
FREE EVENT
A free arts event to celebrate cultural diversity.
Watch our 2023 performance of Clare Mela below which took place in Killaloe


Clare Mela Line Up 2025

Balor O' Brien Traditional Irish Storyteller
Balor O’Brien is an acclaimed Irish storyteller, filmmaker, and folklorist dedicated to preserving Ireland’s rich traditions. Founder of Balor Otherworld, he brings ancient myths and legends to life through immersive performances shaped by his background in history and heritage. His work includes the celebrated film Biddy Early: A Woman of the People, and he regularly performs at cultural festivals and historic sites across Ireland.

Dr John Nutekpor African Percussion
Dr. John Nutekpor is a master percussionist from Ghana who brings the vibrant rhythms of West Africa to life through energetic, interactive performances. He leads the Gabla Percussion Ensembles and has taught drumming to people of all ages across Ireland and beyond. With deep roots in Ghanaian musical traditions and a passion for sharing culture through rhythm, John makes every performance a joyful and unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Steo Wall
Steo Wall is a Dublin-born singer-songwriter now based in County Clare. His music blends traditional Irish folk with contemporary spoken word and rap, drawing from his Traveller heritage and working-class roots. His debut album, Where I’m From, features collaborations with Damien Dempsey, Luka Bloom, and Davey Spillane. Steo’s lyrics are rich with imagery, capturing themes of community, resilience, and identity.

Brian Fleming
Brian Fleming is a Dublin-born percussionist, theatre maker, and festival director who has been a pioneering figure in Irish and global rhythm traditions. He has recorded on over 30 albums and performed with artists such as Davy Spillane, Anúna, and Kíla. Brian is also recognized for his work in theatre and education, having taught percussion in schools and festivals worldwide.

Chinese Lion Dance Ireland – Traditional Dance & Martial Arts Performance
Chinese Lion Dance Ireland brings the energy and colour of traditional Chinese lion, dragon, and unicorn dance to stages across Ireland. Blending martial arts skill with vibrant choreography and live drumming, their performances celebrate Chinese culture and heritage with authenticity and flair.

Maeve Collins
Maeve Collins is a socially engaged visual artist based in Ireland, whose practice explores themes of justice, gender equality, and collective agency. She is the course leader at the College of Further Education and Training, Ennistymon Campus, where she supports learners of all ages in developing their creative voices. Maeve’s work often involves collaborative projects and public engagement, reflecting her commitment to art as a tool for social change.
Parking during Clare Mela
If arriving by car please note that there is no parking beside Shannon Town Park.
Parking is available at these nearby locations
Due to limited public parking in the vicinity of the Town Park people should park at St Patricks Community School
or
Gaelscoil Donncha Rua and access via the side of the Fire Station or around the Shannon Town Centre
A day of music, dance and aerial A
A free family Event Funded by Clare County Council, Creative Places Shannon, Shared Island Initiative, and Shannon tidy towns

This year Fidget Feet are collaborating with local schools to offer free dance classes. Some of the students involved will perform at Clare Mela this year on Monday June 2nd. Keep your eyes peeled for a flash mob dance with some serious attitude!


Family Fun
Animal Farm | Face Painting | Shannon Tidy Towns Raffle | Magician Roaming | Fidget Feet meet and greet

Willzee
Limerick rapper Willzee is part of a musical movement that has put Limerick on the map of the Irish rap scene. Born a member of the travelling community, Willzee rises to the fore front from adversity, struggle and hardship. This year he will be performing with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre in their new gritty and dark show H.O.M.E an Aerial Hip H’opera

Jym Daly
A DJ set with a difference! Jym is co-founder of Fidget Feet alongside his partner Chantal McCormick. Jym has a rich musical history along with being a talented artist and animator. His unique and original sound takes residence in Fidget Feet productions and shows. He toured his individual sounds of spiritual combined with dance music around the world, known as Loop Guru. Jym will bring his signature beats to this year’s Clare Mela, get ready for the Jym experience!

Aerial Performances by Fidget Feet
Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre will perform their street show “See Saw” which was recently performed in the St Patricks Day celebrations in Limerick. Watch as aerial dancers fly and dance in the sky.
Aerial acts from Sara Granda, Chantal McCormick, Polly Shapkira, and Charlotte Bruce

South Asian Dance Academy
South Asian Dance Academy (SADA) is Ireland’s leading Bollywood and classical Indian dance company, operated by ArtsEkta. Blending vibrant Bollywood choreography with traditional Kathak storytelling, SADA delivers captivating performances and workshops that celebrate South Asian culture. The academy has performed at major festivals including Belfast Mela and Holi Festival of Colours, and continues to engage communities across Ireland through dance and cultural education.






WHAT IS AERIAL DANCE?
It’s Dance! It’s Creative! It’s flying with style! Combining athleticism & creative expression. While using low-hanging trapeze, aerial silks, spirals, hoops & cocoons. A beautiful art form, while having fun and building strength!
Wanna try it out?
Our Aerial Creation Centre in Limerick provides workshops, kids classes, adult classes & bootcamps.