In March 1990 - over the St Patrick’s Day period - five Irish traditional musicians came together to form an ad-hoc group for a tour in the Soviet Union, organised by the Dublin-based Ireland-USSR Society as part of its efforts to maintain social and cultural links between the two countries.

Going by the name of Pócaí Folamha (Empty Pockets), the musicians travelled to Moscow and the Soviet republic of Uzbekistan. Along the way they were to play not only in theatres but in schools, a porcelain factory and a collective farm - and to get a unique insight into life in the Soviet Union as it teetered on the brink of collapse.

Accompanying them was a team from DoubleBand Films, the Belfast-based production company that had been commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ to make a documentary about the tour. A film that would capture extraordinary cultural and musical experiences at an extraordinary moment in history.

This Fleadh on Film screening is presented as part of the Fleadh at Queen’s programme which celebrates the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 coming to Belfast for the first time, and the rich tradition of Irish music and heritage. See the full programme of campus-wide events here.