A Donegal singer is to present a new BBC music show, Ceolta, which aims to showcase Ulster’s finest musical talent.
BBC Northern Ireland Gaeilge announced the launch of Ceolta, an exciting new six-part music series set to premiere in March 2025.
The show will be hosted by Gaoth Dobhair singer Eve Belle and Fiachna Ó Braonáin of Hothouse Flowers.
Ceolta brings audiences on an unforgettable journey through the rich and evolving music scene of Ulster.
Filmed in six carefully selected venues, Ceolta captures the raw energy of live performances in intimate and unique settings.
Designed to immerse viewers in the heart of Ulster’s music scene, the series showcases a stellar line-up of both established artists and emerging talents, offering a dynamic blend of contemporary and traditional influences.
Each episode of Ceolta transports audiences to an atmospheric venue, celebrating the depth and diversity of music across the region:
Episode 1: Dungiven, County Derry – McReynolds Bar | Featuring Mary Dillon, Neil Martin, The Paul Casey Band, Muireann Bradley, and Briana Corrigan
Episode 2: Moy, County Tyrone – Tomney’s Bar | Featuring North x North West, Cliona Hagan, Joe McVeigh, and Pinnsleep
Episode 3: Belfast, County Antrim – Madden’s Bar | Featuring Clare Sands, Arborist, Gráinne Holland, and Duke Special with the Acro Quartet
Episode 4: Forkhill, County Armagh – The Welcome Inn | Featuring Dani Larkin, Brian Finnegan, Cathal Murphy, and Eve Belle
Episode 5: Bangor, County Down – Court House | Featuring Winnie Ama, Hothouse Flowers, And So I Watch You From Afar, and The Open House Choir
Episode 6: Boho, County Fermanagh – The Green Linnet | Featuring Houseplants, Seamie MacPeak and his band, Máire Ní Churraoin, and jazz-folk group Le Chéile with Múlú.
The series is filmed in intimate venues, evoking the atmosphere of a lock-in, where world-class artists perform up close with engaged audiences. This immersive setting allows for raw, energetic, and heartfelt performances that celebrate Ulster’s rich musical traditions and evolving contemporary scene.
Singer Eve said “I always feel lucky to be part of the music scene in the North, and so I’m incredibly grateful to be working on Ceolta, a series that shines a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible music in this area.”
Her co-presenter Fiachna Ó Braonáin shared his excitement saying “I have felt exceptional energy and warmth in Ulster for many years while performing music in the area—both from musicians and audiences alike! I am delighted now to have the opportunity to immerse myself fully alongside the Ulster musician Eve Belle and visit magical music venues as part of the new television series Ceolta!”
Ceolta is set to premiere on BBC2 NI at 10pm on 17th March 2025, with episodes airing weekly. The series will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer on the 17th of March 2025, ensuring audiences can experience the magic of Ceolta at their leisure.
