Glasgow to host the World Irish Dancing Championships in 2024 for a record sixth time

Glasgow will host the prestigious World Irish Dancing Championships for a record sixth time when the colourful event returns to the city in 2024.

Widely regarded as the Olympics of Irish dance, the 'Worlds' is the largest and most coveted Irish dancing contest on the global circuit and has run for almost 50 years.

Glasgow was the first non-Irish city to stage the Championships in 2002 and by 2024 will have held it more times than any other destination outside of Ireland.

The city has previously welcomed the event in 2007, 2010 and 2016, and will deliver the 2018 Championships at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in March.

In 2024, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) will provide the backdrop to the week-long spectacle, which is expected to attract around 5,000 competitors across solo, céilí, figure-choreography and dance drama categories in a variety of age-groups.

Aged from eight to 30, competitors will travel from more than 35 countries including Ireland, England, France, Russia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Canada and the USA.

15,000 spectators

A further 15,000 spectators, comprising teachers, family and supporters are expected to make the trip, with the competition boosting the city's economy by around £10 million.

James McCutcheon, Championship Chairman, An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), the governing body which regulates Irish dancing worldwide, said: "We're thrilled that the World Irish Dancing Championships will be returning to Glasgow in 2024. The Worlds is the Olympics of Irish dance, with elite dancers from every corner of the globe competing to be crowned the best of the best.

"The warm welcome that our competitors, coaches and supporters receive in Glasgow is second to none, which is why they just love coming back. It's a vibrant and friendly city and the SEC campus will provide a truly world-class platform for world-class dancing."

Glasgow's Lord Provost, Councillor Eva Bolander, said: "We're delighted to be extending our very positive and successful relationship with An Coimisiún and the World Irish Dancing Championships until 2024.

"The Worlds are a globally admired centrepiece of Irish culture and Glasgow has earned an enviable reputation as its second home.

"The fact that the organisers have chosen Glasgow for a record sixth time is a strong vote of confidence in the efforts the city has made to make past events such a tremendous success.

"With thousands of people arriving in Glasgow, the Championships will bring an unmissable celebration of traditional Irish music and dance to the city. The hosting of such a prestigious event reinforces our word-class cultural credentials and will provide a significant boost to local businesses and our tourism economy."

Peter Duthie, CEO of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), said: "We were the first venue in the city to host The Worlds back in 2002 and we want to thank An Coimisiún for once again choosing Glasgow and the Scottish Event Campus as the stage for this world-class event. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to everyone competing in or attending the Championships in 2024."

For more information on the World Irish Dancing Championships, visit here