5000 competitors taking part in world Irish dancing championships

More than 5,000 competitors from across the globe are taking part in the World Irish Dancing Championships, the most prestigious event in the Irish dancing calendar.

Dancers aged eight to 30 from more than 20 countries - including Russia, South Africa, Argentina, Japan and Australia - are putting their best feet forward at the city’s Royal Concert Hall this week.

More than 20,000 spectators are expected to watch the performers compete in various categories, including solo, ceili, figure-choreography and dance drama.

The 46th annual championships kicked off on Saturday and run until Sunday, marking the fourth time Glasgow has hosted the event since becoming the first city outside Ireland to do so in 2002.

Glasgow was chosen above Montreal, Washington DC, London, Belfast, Dublin and Killarney this year, and will again host the championships, known as the Olympics of Irish dancing, in 2018.

James McCutcheon, company secretary of competition organiser Irish dancing regulator An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, said: “Competitors, coaches and supporters just love coming back to Scotland as they know that they will receive the warmest of welcomes and build the happiest of memories.

“Dancers love performing on a truly world-class stage in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant and friendly cities.”