Marlynes Feis 2027
VALENTINE'S EDITION
February 13 & 14 2027
Mechelen – Belgium
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We are delighted to welcome you to the very first Marlynes Feis in Mechelen, Belgium. Organised by Marlynes Irish Dancers, with more than 25 years of experience in Irish dancing, this event marks an exciting new chapter for our team.
Since the feis takes place during Valentine’s weekend, dancers can enjoy a number of special themed competitions alongside our regular competitions, including the Little Heart Competition, Heart to Heart Céilí and the Valentine’s Treble Reel.
The competition will be held in Sporthal ‘De Ploan’ in a main hall with one dance floor. Changing facilities will be available for dancers, and food and refreshments can be purchased in the cafeteria.
Mechelen is one of Belgium’s most historic and charming cities, located just 24 km from Brussels Airport. The city is accessible by car and public transport, with direct train connections from Brussels airport. A wide range of hotels and accommodation options are available within the city centre and close to the venue.
We look forward to welcome everyone for a memorable weekend!
The venue
Sporthal ‘De Ploan’
Eksterstraat 100
2800 Mechelen – Belgium
How to get there
To Mechelen – Belgium
By Air: The nearest airport to Mechelen is Brussels Airport (BRU), located approximately 20 minutes from Mechelen by train or car.
By Train: Mechelen is easily accessible by train. The nearest railway stations are:
- Mechelen – main railway station
- Mechelen-Nekkerspoel – smaller station, closer to the venue
More information: https://www.belgiantrain.be/
To the Venue
Bus: The nearest bus stops within a short walking distance of the venue are
- Oude Liersebaan
- De Schijf
- Netestraat
More information: https://www.delijn.be/nl/
By Car: Sporthal De Plaon is accessible by car. Parkingsports are limited but parking spaces can be found in the surrounding residential streets.
By Taxi : Uber or taxi from Brussel airport or Mechelen central train Station.
Hotels
A wide range of hotels can be found in Mechelen city centre.
More information to be announced.
Mechelen
Nestled in the heart of Belgium, Mechelen is a charming city rich in history, culture, and character. With its stunning architecture, lively squares, and welcoming atmosphere, Mechelen offers the perfect blend of tradition and modern life. From the iconic St. Rumbold’s Tower to its cosy cafés and hidden streets, the city invites visitors to explore at their own pace. Ideally located between Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen is a vibrant destination full of authentic Belgian charm.
Did you know?
The name “Marlynes” originates from a historical charter from 1173, where it was used as an early name for the city of Mechelen. A small piece of Mechelen’s rich history that inspired the name of our school!
Syllabus
Marlynes Feis 2027 is organised by Marlynes Irish dancers under the direction of Lita De Wachter TCRG. The feis is registered with RCCEA and will run in accordance with the Rules of An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG).
The syllabus – Day’s only timetabe is now available. Final Timetable will be published when entries close.
Registrations
Feis registrations are managed through FeisMe.
Entries may only be submitted by teachers registered with CLRG.
Opening Date: To be announced
Closing Date: To be announced
Special competitions
Little hearts competition
The Little hearts competition is for young dancers taking their very first steps and not competing in the regular feis. Participants may dance together with an older dancer or teacher and will all receive a special surprise. Valentine’s-themed outfits are encouraged.
Sat, Feb 13, 2027
Age group to be announced
Heart to Heart ceili
In the Heart to Heart Céilí, dancers may share the floor with their loved ones – a partner, parent, sibling, family member, or friend. A fun, inclusive event celebrating Irish dancing together. Valentine’s-themed outfits are encouraged.
SAT & SUN, FEB 13-14, 2027
Age group to be announced
Valentine's Treble Reel
Dancers competing in the Valentine’s Treble Reel will dance 16 bars down the line Free Style. Therefore use of hands and Valentine’s-themed outfits are permitted and encouraged.
Sat & Sun, FEB 13-14, 2027
Age group to be announced
Adjudicator & Musician
Katrina O'Hehir
ADCRG England
About
Katrina O’Hehir ADCRG, from County Durham, England, trained with the Hannon Murphy School and enjoyed a highly successful competitive career, including multiple Regional Oireachtas titles, the All Scotland Championship, top-three finishes at the British and Great Britain Nationals, and a top-10 placement at the World Championships.
She later spent over four years touring internationally as Saoirse, the lead female role in Lord of the Dance, while earning her TCRG qualification in 2006. After working as a pediatric nurse, Katrina founded the O’Hehir School of Irish Dance in 2017, where her students have achieved success at regional, national, and international levels. Most notably achieved 3 globes in 3 years at the World Championships.
In 2022, she was recognized as one of only 20 teachers worldwide to receive the Global Excellence in Teaching Award, and in 2023 she earned her ADCRG qualification. Katrina has also adjudicated competitions throughout the UK, Ireland, Canada, US and South Africa.
Kristián Fišl
Musician – TCRG Czech Republic
About
Kristián has been playing the piano since the age of 8. He has been playing at feisanna for more than 10 years across continental Europe and even further – in the UK, Dubai and Taiwan, including Majors of multiple organisations. He has been a part of the Beat Feis Music App since 2019 and records new music regularly. All of his dancing music can be found in the Beat app.
Apart from playing at feisanna, Kristián has been dancing for many years and has brought 4 solo World Recall medals to his home city of Prague as the only Czech solo male dancer to ever win that medal. He passed the TCRG exam in October 2025 and is now teaching with the Avalon Academy and Scoil Rince Coiscéim.
Outside of the dancing world, Kristián completed his Master degree in Transportation Sciences and focuses on rail transport, which is his non-dancing passion and work field.
Kristián wishes everyone the best of luck and hopes everyone will enjoy this brilliant event.
Marlynes Irish Dancers
Marlynes Irish Dancers has been active for more than 25 years and is officially connected with CLRG. Founded in 1998 by Annemie Thijs, the group is now led by Lita De Wachter since obtaining her TCRG qualification in 2025. Over the years, their dancers have competed successfully across Europe and achieved qualifications for the World Championships. Alongside competitions, the showgroup MID has performed at festivals, theatre productions, television shows and various Irish cultural events.
Marlynes Irish Dancers is a department of Dansstudio Marlynes.
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Marlynes Feis 2027
Organised by Marlynes Irish Dancers, a department of Dansstudio Marlynes and under direction of Lita De Wachter TCRG.