MORE than 10,000 people are expected this week in the west Clare town of Miltown Malbay for "Willie Week", the Willie Clancy Summer School.
Now in its 24th year, it is well established as Ireland's biggest summer school in traditional music and dance.
Mr Muiris O Rochain, the programme director, says the small committee of enthusiasts which organises it deliberately avoids press launches or other promotional activities.
"Mass advertising would destroy it. We've never had a problem getting people to come. We're lucky in that great musicians come year after year, but too much publicity would destroy it," he says.
It is estimated that the summer school is worth between £2 million and £3 million to the area.
The Willie Clancy Summer School started in Miltown Malbay in 1973, just months after the death of the great musician, a native of the town. Best known as a piper, he was also gifted on the whistle and flute, and a talented dancer.
Between 800 and 1,000 people are expected to take part officially in the school.
There are 25 different classes for the fiddle alone, as organisers believe in catering for all ability levels.
Classes and workshops are held each morning and, as well as improving skills on a range of instruments, there is also the opportunity for participants to learn to make reeds for uileann pipes.