Welcome from Glasgow’s first citizen, Rt. Hon Lord Provost Councillor Bob Winter

As Lord Provost of Glasgow it is a real pleasure to welcome the return of the World Irish Dancing Championships - Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne - to Glasgow.

This is the third time that Glasgow has hosted these prestigious Championships and we are particularly proud that we are the only city outside of Ireland to have hosted them on more than one occasion.  Glaswegians are renowned worldwide for their hospitality and I have no doubt this is a major reason in your choice of location.

The purpose of the World Irish Dancing Championships is to showcase the best of Irish Dancing. There is a true sense of Celtic pride that emanates from this competition. The Celtic connections we all share, particularly here in the West of Scotland, is something that this special type of dancing fully encapsulates. 

This cultural event attracts around 4 500 dancers accompanied by more than 15 000 family members, friends, teachers and supporters to cheer them on. These talented contestants represent Irish dance schools from 32 countries around the globe.

The World Irish Dancing Championships are an extremely prestigious, cultural event. I am delighted that Glasgow has been chosen to host it once again. I look forward to working again with the organising committee to ensure the continued success of this much loved event.