Photo: Celtfest Facebook
Celtfest is an annual cultural celebration of the Almonte, Ottawa Valley, greater Ottawa region’s heritage through music, song, and dance, and happens at Gemmill Park in Almonte from July 3rd to the 5th. This year it’s celebrating its 30th edition. It’s a three-day, by-donation event that features a schedule of presentations and activities in the Park and walking-distance downtown area.
Celtfest endeavours to explore and celebrate a wide variety of local culturally significant history and heritage by supporting culture and traditions that include, but are not limited to, the Scottish and Irish settlers, the Francophone community, and the Algonquin (Anishnaabeg) peoples.
The festival features a wide variety of musical and dance performances, workshops, street performances, children’s activities, and encourages impromptu sessions or ceilidhs.
One of the organizing team, Kristina Skeries tells us what attendees can expect
Gemmill Park is a truly beautiful and natural acoustic amphitheatre that delivers the music perfectly clear, no matter where you’re seated. This year the volunteers behind the event have arranged a special treat for Fest-goers; LEAHY, a powerhouse Celtic music group and one of Canada’s most renowned musical families.
To date, they have sold more than half a million albums worldwide, achieved double plantinum status in their home country and won three JUNOs.
They’ll take the Celtfest stage on Saturday night at 8 pm. Skeries tells us why you want to mark Celtfest’s dates on your calendar and not miss this annual celebration.
Celtfest runs Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from noon to 10 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm. Find all the details at almonteceltfest.com. While the organizers arrange for plenty of parking, they urge visitors to carpool to ensure everyone has easy access.
Cjheck their website here for more.
Story by Brian Turner
