This episode explores the people who make, play and listen to the fiddle in Belfast.

Featuring the North Belfast Set Dancing Society, the viewer gets a glimpse into the lively atmosphere that accompanies traditional fiddle playing. Rab Cherry, a fiddle maker, discusses accessibility to this form of music, something which, in previous years, would have been limited in urban areas but, with the advent of mass media, has increased exposure.

Social anthropologist, May McCann, chats about the vibrancy of the music and how the impromptu sessions are not performance oriented but, rather, are primarily for the musicians. Andy Dickson, a traditional musician, notes that there has been a revival of people learning the instrument, but also suggests that there has never really been a shortage of flute players in Belfast. 

Concluding the programme, we see a young girl playing the fiddle around areas in Belfast.

A Belfast Film Workshop Production.

Produced in association with UTV, Arts Council Northern Ireland and Community Relations Council.

 

• NI Direct - PRONI