PREVIEW: The 44th International Pan Celtic Festival
The Pan Celtic Festival returns for the second consecutive year with a jam packed programme of events.
Now in it’s 44th year, the festival will run between the 7th and 12th of April, and is a celebration of Celtic culture and the links between all the celtic countries and regions of Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and Wales.
Speaking at the launch of the Pan Celtic programme of events last month, Mayor Councillor Brenda Stevenson said “I am delighted to see the return of the Pan Celtic Festival to the city for its second visit. This event attracts the cream of performers from the Celtic nations... and is a wonderful addition to our events calendar this year. I’m particularly impressed by the programme of events, which will be a big attraction for families and tourists alike.”
The festival has been held each year in Ireland since 1970, and takes place during Easter week. With more than 5,000 people expected to be participating in the event, the city will be awash with festive spirit and celtic culture.
The main aim of the festival is to promote and strengthen Celtic languages, culture, music, song and sport and to encourage inter-Celtic tourism, trade and commerce.
Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin are hosting the festival with the opening ceremony taking place at the Glassworks with performances from all the Celtic nations.
One of the highlights each year during the festival is the Choral Concert. This year, housed in the Christ Church, visiting choirs from Scotland and Wales will be performing alongside local choirs giving the opportunity to hear performances in an array of languages.
With lots of workshops taking place throughout the festival, it’s a great opportunity to dabble in a new language from Cornish to Scottish Gaelic, or indeed learn a bit more about cetic history with the many lectures which have been organised.
