An exciting evening dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural traditions of Irish and Ulster-Scots music, song, and dance took place in An Grianan Hotel in Burt. The Harmony in Heritage event delivered an unforgettable night of lively performances, showcasing the shared heritage and vibrant traditions of both cultures.

The celebratory event marked the conclusion of the cross-border cultural collaboration EMBRACE, which was managed by the Northwest Cultural Partnership in Derry and Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) in Buncrana. The project was funded by the International Fund for Ireland Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP).

Over the course of two years, EMBRACE brought together people from communities on both sides of the border through a series of cultural dance and music workshops, motivational talks, multicultural events, and a range of primary and secondary school workshops.

The Harmony in Heritage event featured performances from a variety of talented musicians and performers including the Sollus Highland Dancers as well as powerful drumming performance that brought together two very different drumming traditions—the bodhrán and the Lambeg drum.

Cllr Jack Murray Mayor (Cathaoirleach) of Inishowen Municipal District welcomed all to the event and to the rich heritage of the Inishowen area and was joined by CEO of Northwest Cultural Partnership Brian Dougherty MBE and Joint CEO of Inishowen Development Partnership Shauna McClenaghan.

Tracey McRory, Project Development Officer at Inishowen Development Partnership, reflected on the significance of the event, saying it was a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and experience a concert that intertwined Irish and Ulster-Scots culture and heritage through the arts.

“It was a fantastic evening featuring top-level musicians and performers. The EMBRACE project has been a joy to work on over the last two years. We are grateful to the IFI for their support, and we feel that this event was a wonderful way to bring the project to a close and celebrate its achievements.”

Becky Taggart, Project Worker with Northwest Cultural Partnership expressed her appreciation for the collaboration between IDP and NWCP throughout the project.

“Harmony in Heritage was a special night. We all enjoyed working together, bringing Irish traditions together with Ulster-Scots, and witnessing something truly spectacular. The EMBRACE project was more than just a programme; it was a movement that broke down barriers and opened doors to new possibilities, enabling individuals and communities to thrive.”

Peter Osborne, International Fund for Ireland (IFI) said,

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to join and to celebrate what has been achieved with this project. It is one which has had a significant impact on communities on both sides of the border and which has gone a considerable way to forge deep and long-lasting connections. This project, funded under our Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP) is yet another demonstration of the power of bringing people together, focusing on what unites, rather than divides, and in the long-term fostering a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the history, heritage of communities, which ultimately leads to a stronger understanding.”