Seren Harris is celebrating a series of impressive achievements on stage, with her attention now focused on next year’s All-Ireland Fleadh in Belfast.
A pupil at St Gerard’s School in Bangor, the 14-year-old first began playing music at the age of three, after receiving a classical violin as a gift.
By five, she had joined her local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the global organisation dedicated to preserving Irish music and culture. It was there she developed a passion for the fiddle, soon entering county competitions by the age of seven.
This summer, Seren was crowned All-Britain Champion in Coventry, taking first place in both the Fiddle and Fiddle Slow Airs (12–15) categories, and finishing runner-up in the miscellaneous (viola) section.
That victory earned her a place at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford, a major international showcase for traditional music that attracts competitors from across the globe.
Once again, Seren impressed, securing second place in Fiddle Slow Airs and third in Fiddle Dance Tunes for her age group.
“It’s such a thrill to perform on that stage, especially when you’re playing to an audience that really knows and loves the music,” Seren said.
“I’m over the moon to have placed so highly — and next year with the All-Ireland Fleadh coming to Belfast, that’s my big target alongside my GCSEs. To get there is an achievement in itself, and I’ll be working hard to raise my game even further.”
Outside of competitions, Seren performs with the band The Faerohs at venues and festivals across North Wales, including Wrexham Night Market, the Rail Ale Festival, and Tafarn yr Heulun in Y Felinheli.
She also continues her classical violin studies at the Junior Department of the Royal Northern College of Music, while completing Year 11 at St Gerard’s.
Headteacher Campbell Harrison praised her accomplishments: “Seren is an amazing ambassador for our school. She has only been with us a year, but in that time she has thrown herself wholeheartedly into school life, making a big impact both in and outside the classroom.
“Seren is a gifted musician and a dedicated student who manages to balance her studies with her passion for traditional music in an incredibly mature way for someone of her age.
“She is a role model for her peers, and we are certain that she will continue to inspire others as she targets the All-Ireland in Belfast next year. We have no doubt she will go on to even greater heights in the year ahead.”
Seren credits her traditional Irish music teacher, Mairead Forde, for playing a key role in her progress. She continues to take lessons online after relocating from Ireland to Wales, and has recently joined the Amairgin the Gael branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann — the only branch in Wales — to maintain her strong cultural connections.
With her sights set on Belfast 2026, Seren is determined to keep developing as a musician while continuing to excel in her studies.
For more information from St Gerard’s School, visit www.st-gerards.org, follow them on social media, email sgadmin@st-gerards.org or call 01248 351656.
