Maui Celtic.com

CELTIC EVENTS CALENDAR

Past Celtic events are on the News Archive page, with some great photos. If you have a Celtic event on the Hawaiian Islands that you would like listed here, please email us at hamish@mauiceltic.com

Please scroll down for Oahu, Hawaii and other island events.

POSTPONED UNTIL 2023 !
Hamish Burgess will be a speaker, and exhibiting The Celtic Art of Hamish Burgess at the International Day of Celtic Art Conference on June 8-11th in Downpatrick, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, the final resting place of St.Patrick himself. He is humbled to be included among stellar artists and archaeologists from around the world, speaking about their work, displaying artworks and doing demonstrations. Events start with a tour locally on Day 1, Conference Days 2 & 3. www.celticartday.com

• Every Sunday evening -- hear Maui's own local singer/guitarist Murray Thorne at 'Mulligan's on the Blue' - the home of Irish music on Maui - in Wailea on the Blue Golf Course, opposite the Kea Lani Hotel. He plays starting at 6.30 - 9.30pm. Always a good craic. Founder singer of The Celtic Tigers, who are taking a break. He plays everything from contemporary pop & rock songs to Irish airs, jigs and reels and raucous folk songs - some Scottish ones thrown in too ! For more details call 874-1131, or visit www.mulligansontheblue.com.
Murray Thorne is now solo at Mulligan's on the Blue, Wailea






• Every Tuesday - our very own Hamish broadcasts the Maui Celtic Radio Show across Glasgow, Scotland, on Celtic Music Radio 95FM, from 12-2pm GMT, streaming at www.celticmusicradio.net.

  Online Tuesdays - time for the Spring 2-4am Hawaii, and 5am US/Canada Wst coast, 6am Mountain time, 7am Central time, 8am Eastern Time, and 12-2pm in Ireland and the UK, Europe 1-3pm. And that is Australia 10pmQLD/11pm VIC, and NZ WED 1am.
  REPEAT Thursday - time for the Spring 12-2pm Hawaii, and 3pm US/Canada West coast, 4pm Mountain time, 5pm Central time, 6pm Eastern Time, and 10-midnight in Ireland and the UK, Europe 11pm-1am. That is FRIDAY in Australia 8amQLD/9amVIC, and 11am NZ.
  REPEAT Friday - time for the Spring is actually Thursday 6-8pm Hawaii, and 9pm US/Canada West coast, 12 midnight Eastern Time, and 4-6am in Ireland and the UK, Europe 5-7am, wich is Friday in Australia 2pmQLD/3pmVIC, and NZ 5pm.
  Chat with Hamish (if he's up!) during the show on Facebook at The Maui Celtic Show page. Many thanks to show underwriters The Irish Rovers.

• First Tuesday of every month - there is a monthly Celtic music session, currently held the first Tuesday of every month from 4-7pm, usually at a private residence upcountry Maui. Are you a traditional musician? Do you play an instrument and want to learn some Celtic tunes? Please email Kristin Sherwood at sherwoodk@hotmail.com.


• Every Thursday - the Isle of Maui Pipe Band practise at 6pm, and welcome new pipers or drummers. For more details please contact Pipe Major Allison Jackson at pipemajor@isleofmauipipeband.com.


• Every other Friday evening - local band Upcountry Celtic play a sidewalk gig in Paia,
  in front of the Maui Crafts Guild (43, Hana Hwy), at 6.30pm until about 8pm. Catch musicians Bruce Butler, Barclay Hill, Elaine Olson, Julie Potter-Dunlop, Katie Romanchuk, and Mary Smith with traditional Celtic music.

• Every Saturday Evening - on HPR 90.7 fm at 8pm (just after Prairie Home Companion) hear an hour of Celtic music on The Thistle & Shamrock, hosted from Scotland by Fiona Ritchie. Check out her most recent playlist & learn about her and the program by clicking here.
• Ongoing - The Maui Singalong Circle is a group that usually meets around Maui 2 times a month to sing anything from American Folk to Pop or even the odd Irish song. They play and sing a wide variety of songs from the "Rise Up Singing" songbook, and go around the circle taking turns choosing and leading songs from the book, and people always have the option to pass. Singers or guitarists  and other acoustic instruments welcome!
  They currently meet twice a month on the first Wednesday of the month in the Garden Room of the Kalama Heights Retirement Community in Kihei, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., and on the third Saturday of the month at The Sacred Garden, a nursery and peace sanctuary in Makawao, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
  Interested singers or players  please contact Phil Peacock at philandcrisp@gmail.com

CELTIC EVENTS ON OAHU

• IF VISITING OAHU check "www.irishpubhawaii.com" for Celtic Music on Oahu, and Bill also produces a great monthly newsletter - click on 'Celtic Connection' for that.
  Kilted nights at O'Toole's Pub Downtown Honolulu on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Friday & Saturday nights there is a FREE Shamrock Shuttle between O'Toole's, Irish Rose, Kelley O’Neill’s, & Anna O'Brien's Irish pubs.
  DEPARTS O’TOOLE’S: 8:15 pm, 9:30 pm, 10:45 pm, 12:00 am & 1:20 am
  DEPARTS IRISH ROSE SALOON: 8:35 pm, 9:50, 11:05 pm, 12:20 am & 1:35 am
  DEPARTS KELLEY O'NEILL'S: 8:50 pm, 10:05 pm, 11:20 pm, & 12:35 am
  DEPARTS ANNA O’BRIEN’S: 9:10 pm, 10:25 pm, 11:40 pm, 12:55 am, & 1:45 am
  Please allow 5 minutes of leeway time on these schedules due to Hawaii’s often unpredictable traffic.
• Regular Irish Dance classes are being held by Irish Dance Hawaii on Mondays and Tuesdays at two locations - please check the current schedule at www.irishdancehawaii.weebly.com/news.html for times and locations, or email them at info@irishdancehawaii.org.


• Every Monday evening - the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii have Scottish Dancing at the dance studio at Paradise Park, 3737 Manoa Rd. in Honolulu. 6:30-8:30 pm on Monday evenings. Easy ceilidh dancing and more traditional Scottish Country Dancing. Classes resume September 19th. Come alone or with friends. An instructional dance weekend will be held February 17-19, 2017. For more information see www.RSCDSHawaii.org, or call (808) 538-7707 or (808) 256-3347.
  
  
• 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month - learn Irish Gaelic in the Celtic Room at O'Toole's Irish Pub, 902 Nuuanu Avenue, Downtown Honolulu, HI 96813. Meetings start at 7pm.
  For more details contact David Reid at 808-779-8181
  
  
• Every Tuesday - our very own Hamish broadcasts the Maui Celtic Radio Show across Glasgow, Scotland, on Celtic Music Radio 95FM, from 11am-1pm GMT, streaming at www.celticmusicradio.net.
  

  Online Tuesdays - time for the Spring 2-4am Hawaii, and 5am US/Canada Wst coast, 6am Mountain time, 7am Central time, 8am Eastern Time, and 12-2pm in Ireland and the UK, Europe 1-3pm. And that is Australia 10pmQLD/11pm VIC, and NZ WED 1am.
  REPEAT Thursday - time for the Spring 12-2pm Hawaii, and 3pm US/Canada West coast, 4pm Mountain time, 5pm Central time, 6pm Eastern Time, and 10-midnight in Ireland and the UK, Europe 11pm-1am. That is FRIDAY in Australia 8amQLD/9amVIC, and 11am NZ.
  REPEAT Friday - time for the Spring is actually Thursday 6-8pm Hawaii, and 9pm US/Canada West coast, 12 midnight Eastern Time, and 4-6am in Ireland and the UK, Europe 5-7am, wich is Friday in Australia 2pmQLD/3pmVIC, and NZ 5pm.
  Chat with Hamish (if he's up!) during the show on Facebook at The Maui Celtic Show page. Many thanks to show underwriters The Irish Rovers.



• Every Tuesday - Hawaii Irish Dance holds an Irish Dance Class night in the club above Anna O'Brien's pub (on Beretania) in Honolulu. 1st Tuesday of every month there is a Ceili and Irish Set Dancing Class for all levels, 5:00-6:45 pm, $15/person.
  All other Tuesdays, Adult beginners, 5:00-5:45 pm, $10/person; Adult intermediate & advanced, 6:00-8:00 pm, $20/per person. More info at www.hawaiiirishdance.com/ or email hawaii.irishdance@gmail.com.
  Children's lessons starting 4-4.45pm on Tuesdays! Kids 6 to 12 years old, any experience level. $15/student.
  New Sean Nos Dancing starting at 4pm on Tuesdays! "Sean nos" means "old style" and is a descriptor that can be applied to all sorts of things, but it mostly heard today in reference to singing, music, and dance. Sean nos step dancing is a solo, improvisational style that is focused on rhythm and has a close relationship to the music. Like all Irish dancing, it is best performed with live accompaniment. Sean nos footwork tends to stay close to the ground and be somewhat less athletically challenging than modern Irish step dancing. Sean nos dancing is a living tradition, but it is also where we can find the roots for modern competition and show styles of Irish dance.
  
  
• Every Wednesday - The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii hold a beginning practice chanter lesson at 6:00 pm. More info contact them at www.celticpipeshawaii.org/
  
  
• Every Wednesday evening - there is live Celtic music with traditional bands Celtic Waves or Way Too Pretty (alternating weeks) from 5-8pm., at Kelley O'Neil's Pub, 311 Lewers St, Waikiki, HI 96815. For more details call (808) 926-1777.
  
  

• Every Wednesday evening there is live Celtic music with James McCarthy at 9pm, at Kelley O'Neil's Pub, 311 Lewers St, Waikiki, HI 96815.
  For more details call (808) 926-1777.
  
• Every 1st Friday - there is an Irish Music session at Kurt Jones Violin Shop (1109 Maunakea Street, Loft 209) from 7-9pm.
  
  
• Every other Saturday evening there is live Celtic music with the Craicpots at 9pm, at O'Toole's Irish Pub, 902 Nuuanu Avenue, Downtown Honolulu, HI 96813. For more details call (808) 536-4138.
  
  
• Every Sunday morning & evening - the Maui Celtic Show now has 2 broadcasts on the Maui airwaves - Sunday morning 8-10am and repeated 5-7pm - on the dial at KAKU 88.5 FM Maui (KAKU885FM on facebook), streaming online at https://kakufm.org/. Sunday 8-10am in Hawaii, and 10am-12pm US/Canada West coast, 11am-1pm Mountain time, 12-2pm Central time, 1-3pm Eastern time, and 6-8pm in Ireland and the UK, Europe 7-9pm. That show is now Monday in Australia 4amQLD/5amVIC, NZ 7am, but the later repeat might suit you better Down Under in Australia 1pmQLD/2pmVIC, and NZ 4pm. That repeat is 5-7pm Hawaii, and 7pm US/Canada West coast, 8pm Mountain time, 9pm Central time, and 10pm Eastern time.
  Chat live with Hamish during the show on Facebook - be a friend at Hamish Douglas Burgess, or be a fan of The Maui Celtic Show. Many thanks to show underwriters The Irish Rovers.
  
  

  Hamish Burgess at the old Mana'o Radio Studios, Waikulu, Maui

  




• Every Sunday evening - there is live Celtic music with James McCarthy or Two Irish Hearts (alternating weeks) from 5-8pm., at Kelley O'Neil's Pub, 311 Lewers St, Waikiki, HI 96815. For more details call (808) 926-1777.
  
  
• Every 4th Sunday evening there is an Irish Music session 6-8pm, in the Celtic Room behind O'Toole's Irish pub, Downtown Honolulu. If you like traditional Irish Music but are not a player come along as the audience. Sessions always include a crowd.
  Air conditioned / Smoke free / Bar service / Bring your own food
  Patrick McGivern (808.445.5058), Dermot Cotter (240.460.3647), Clark Ratliffe (808.386.5645).
  
  
• Last Sunday of each month - The Celtic Book Club meets in The Celtic Room of O'Toole's Irish Pub, Honolulu. 4-6pm.
  This month's meeting will not be held due to Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.
  

CELTIC EVENTS ON BIG ISLAND HAWAII

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current health situation, many events are cancelled.
Please check following weekly events with the venues. RADIO SHOWS ARE STILL ON.

Thursdays - Teen-adult Irish step dance is taught by Sarah Nash at the YWCA in Hilo. Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm. Beginners to intermediate welcome ! No membership required. For more information please contact Sarah Nash at 808-333-6713.

CELTIC EVENTS ON KAUAI

CELTIC EVENTS ON MOLOKAI

CELTIC EVENTS WORLDWIDE

SCOTLAND, IRELAND, ENGLAND, CORNWALL, BRITTANY, ASTURIAS, CANTABRIA, AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, CARIBBEAN ....... (please send your Celtic event to hamish@mauiceltic.com)

Please check the venues own websites and go by their dates - we do not always get updates and are not being held responsible for date changes. We try and keep this as accurate as possible as a service to our visitors, but it's up to you to check for yourself. Cheers !

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current health situation, most events are cancelled.
Please check following weekly events with their websites & the venues.

SCOTLAND

Mid September 2016 - Blas 2012 Festival in the Highlands of Scotland. Moladh na Gàidhealtachd - Celebrating The Highlands - the culture of traditional music and Gaelic in the Highlands. The fastest growing festival in Scotland !! Music, Food, Walks, Talks and much more. The Blas Festival has been devised by The Highland Council in partnership with Fèisean nan Gàidheal and the Promoters Arts Network. At venues all over the Highlands - full schedule and more info at www.blas-festival.com

Nov 2016 - Perthshire Amber - the Dougie MacLean Festival, Perthshire, Scotland. One of Scotland's premier Celtic music festivals, held at various locations from concert halls, town halls and village halls, to castles, cathedral and even an Iron Age crannog !
Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean created The Perthshire Amber Festival, in some of Scotland's more beautiful countryside, from a project in 1998 for the Perth Festival of the Arts - a composition called 'Perthshire Amber'. Perthshire is a beautiful county in the heart of Scotland, and the home of Dougie MacLean - many of his songs and melodies have been inspired by this land and it's people.
Over 7 years Perthshire Amber developed from a weekend of concerts to a 10 day festival, and is now this year condensed to 4 days packed full of music and much more, and is an important part of Scotland's musical calendar.
More info at www.perthshireamber.com

November - the Scots Fiddle Festival 2016 at The Queen's Hall, Kings's Hall and Sunmmerhall, Edinburgh, Scotland. A weekend packed full of fiddle music!
Concerts, recitals, workshops, talks, festival clubs, ceilidhs, open stage, slow sessions, stalls, free events... and lot's more. For the full programme go to www.scotsfiddlefestival.com

Mid-January 2017- the Jimmy McHugh Memorial Concert in Glasgow, Scotland. More details email mchugh@irish-music.fsnet.co.uk. More details at www.jimmymchugh.com

Jan - Feb 2017 - Celtic Connections, Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland's premier winter music festival. Held at venues around Glasgow featuring Celtic acts and the best new talent - more than 200 events over 18 days. One of the world's biggest and most famous Celtic music festivals, with artists from many Celtic nations. More information at www.celticconnections.com

March 2017 - The Glasgow St. Patrick’s Festival 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland. The festival runs from Ash Wednesday for 12 days of Irish music and culture celebration to mark St Patrick's Day. Most events take place in and around the Merchant Square and Merchant City area of Glasgow city centre where the Festival Family Day takes place on Saturday from 12 noon until 5.30pm and will be broadcast live on Celtic Music Radio.
Other venues include Sloan's, Argyll Arcade off Argyle Street in Glasgow city centre; Langside Halls in Shawlands in the southside of Glasgow; Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre in Daisy Street, Govanhill; The Glad Café at Shawlands Cross; Cottiers Theatre in the west end of Glasgow and the Couper Institute in Cathcart on the southside.
More information at www.glasgowstpatricksfestival.co.uk

April 2017 - Beltane Fire Festival, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland.
A special revival of an ancient Celtic fertility festival with a unique and wild procession of fire, drumming and revelry. 8:00-11:00 pm. More information at www.beltane.org

May 2017 - OBAN LIVE will take place at Mossfield Stadium, Oban. The event follows on from the successful ‘Decade’ concert that was held in May 2015 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Skerryvore. As with Decade, OBAN LIVE will again showcase international acts and attract visitors from all over the world - an event to celebrate the town, community and incredible atmosphere of Oban. A stellar line-up.....
More information at www.obanlive.com

May - June 2017 - Northern Roots Festival at Bogbain Farm, Inverness, Scotland. Based at Scotland's 'Best Unusual Venue', the 3 day Northern Roots Festival at Bogbain Farm, Drumossie, Inverness IV2 5BD, hosts the very best in roots, acoustic and folk music from around the world. Set up by Blazin' Fiddles star Bruce MacGregor in 2009. For more info visit www.northernrootsfestival.co.uk

July 2017 - Tiree Music Festival at An Talla, Crossapol, Isle of Tiree, Western Isles of Scotland. A newly formed non-for-profit festival in the 'Hawaii of the North' - the island of Tiree is known for surfing and windsurfing ! The first festival was held in July 2010 at An Talla and was a massive sell out success. Join them this year for great music, a few drams, craic, Tiree sunshine & wind !
Also there wwill be a children's ceilidh, workshops, food stalls, and whisky tasting. More info at www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk

Late July 2017 - the Loch Lomond Folk Festival in Balloch, Scotland - close to the 'bonnie banks of Loch Lomond'. Concerts, music sessions, workshops, craft fair, Kids Ceilidh, and street entertainment. More info at www.lomondfolkfestival.com

Mid August 2017 - Fringe by the Sea, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland EH39 4LE. Great music and theatre festival, on the coast - a quieter alternative to the bustle of Edinburgh or Glasgow, held in an old harbour town. Celtic and contemporary Scottish artists. More information soon at www.fringebythesea.co.uk

Mid August 2017 - Piping Live ! Glasgow’s International Piping Festival, Glasgow, Scotland. 30,000 traditional music fans and almost 8,000 pipers from around the globe are expected to descend upon Glasgow for this year’s festival, which has established itself as one of the world’s top celebrations of Scottish culture. This year’s festival will showcase a diverse blend of traditional and modern piping from the stars of the international scene to some of today’s most electrifying young musicians.
The 2016 programme will include evening concerts around Glasgow, and George Square will once again be an ideal family day out as it stages free highlights throughout the week featuring the main festival acts and top international pipe bands. The National Piping Centre will offer recitals, workshops, plus it will give budding pipers and drummers the chance to take part in Come & Try sessions.  At the outdoor Street Café, festival-goers can enjoy delicious Scottish fare as well as performances from some of the best piping folk combos, duos and groups.
Other events throughout the week will include a series of concerts at Strathclyde University’s Todd Bar and a series of recitals and workshops. The Pipe Idol competition will once again search for the international piping stars of the future. More information about the festival and the full programme now at www.pipinglive.co.uk

Mid August 2017 - The World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green, Glasgow, Scotland will be the incredible culmination of the festival week. Organised by Culture & Sport Glasgow on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), the Worlds is considered the single most important date in the calendar for pipe bands and is attended by audiences of around 50,000 people.
Last years 2014 World Champions were Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Lisburn, N.Ireland. More information at www.theworlds.co.uk

World Champions 2010 - St. Lawrence O'Toole Pipe Band

August 2017 - The Battlefield Band’s Music Tryst Festival was unfortunately cancelled in 2012/13 - waiting to hear news of 2017.
A weekend of great traditional music, with concerts, lessons, workshops, and informal sessions - suitable for all ages - led by internationally acclaimed Scottish group Battlefield Band and friends. Held at the National Mining Museum Scotland, sited on one of the finest examples of a Victorian colliery, the ‘Lady Victoria’ at Newtongrange. The museum is just eight miles south of Edinburgh and preserves Scotland’s mining heritage. More info at www.musictryst.com

Most of August - The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. The Tattoo takes place every weekday evening and twice on Saturdays throughout August, and has never been cancelled due to bad weather. The second Saturday night performance includes a fireworks display, although each performance uses pyrotechnics. The highlight of every Tattoo are the massed pipes and drums, provided by regiments of the British Army and visiting civilian and military pipes and drums from around the world.
More info at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

IRELAND

Mid-September 2016 - Festival of the Peninsula, Ards, Co.Down, Northern Ireland. A Celtic music festival in the lovely Co.Down, with Irish and Scottish traditional acts. More information soon at www.festivalofthepeninsula.info

The Fureys, Festival of the Peninsula 2010, Newtownards, Co.Down

Jan 2017 - TradFest Temple Bar, in Dublin, Ireland.
A festival showcasing the cream of both Irish and international trad and folk artists while also providing a springboard for the next generation of Irish musicianship. Experience live music in some of Dublin’s most historic places. Concert-goers get to breathe-in Dublin’s rich cultural heritage even as they feel every note. In 2016 Festival venues will range from City Hall to Dublin Castle to St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The 2016 programme will include acts as diverse as Martin Hayes to Duke Special, The Oyster Band to The Stunning. This year star studded gala nights will bring a mix of artists together as well as introducing new and emerging talent to Irish audiences. Booking is NOW open. www.templebartrad.com

Around March 17th 2017 - St.Patrick's Festival, in Dublin, Ireland. Funfairs, Irish Craft Beer Festival, St.Patrick's Tours, Street Performers, Traditional Music, 'Greening the City'.
More info at www.stpatricksfestival.ie

ENGLAND

October 2016 - London's internationally-renowned traditional Irish music, song & dance festival Return to Camden Town, does indeed return to Camden for the 17th year.
More info at www.returntocamden.org

June 2017 ?? - Feis London in Finsbury Park, London, England.
The festival will see the best Irish and international music has to offer on four stages at London’s Finsbury Park. NO NEWS ON THIS FESTIVAL THIS YEAR - website : www.feislondon.org

The third London FolkFest takes places in the music hub of South London - The Bedford.

July 2017 - the London FolkFest takes places in Balham, London, England. The festival takes places in the music hub of South London -The Bedford, with a huge line-up of folks acts. The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9HD. Phone: +44 208 682 8940.
Email: info@thebedford.co.uk. www.thelondonfolkfest.com

September 2017 - London Folk Festival at Cecil Sharp House, Camden. in London, England. Excellent line up including Blackbeards Tea Party, Gadarene, The Coach House Company, Stick in the Wheel, Kelly Oliver, Said The Maiden and far more........
More info at www.londonfolkfestival.co.uk

CORNWALL

September 2016 - Gulldize 2016 in Penzance, Cornwall.
The Cornish Annual celebration of the harvest organised by the Cornish Culture Association. Please meet before 7.45pm at the Yacht Inn where the "Crying of the Neck" will take place this year conducted by Judith Lawrence. A short procession will then take place from the Yacht to the Admiral Benbow led by the Raffidy Dumitz Band. Then from 8pm please feel free to join us for an evening of Harvest traditional dancing, singing and of course the ridiculous annual veg auction! Please bring produce for the auction. Admiral Benbow, 46 Chapel Street, TR18 4AF Penzance, Cornwall.

Saturday 23-25th Sept 2016 - the Looe Music Festival takes place in Looe on the south coast of Cornwall. Shows by Eddi Reader, The Changing Room, Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Cara Dillon, Seth Lakeman, Fisherman's Friends, Findlay Napier, The Elephant Sessions, Gilmore & Roberts, Andreas Tophøj & Rune Barslund, The Jar Family, Keltique, Kezia, Pirates of St.Piran, rocker Bryan Ferry, and loads of other performers. More info at www.looemusic.co.uk

Mid-late October 2016 - Lowender Peran - Cornwall's Celtic Festival at the Atlantic Hotel Newquay Cornwall. The festival moved to Newquay last year, after 36 years at the Ponsmere Hotel, Perranporth.
"Dancing – Barn Dance/Ceilidh/Troyl/Noz Lowen/Fest Noz/Twmpath/Stomp - whatever you want to call them, Lowender Peran is famous for its evening dances! They go on until 1am throughout the weekend, and are a chance to have a go at different dancing styles.
Concerts – Our formal Thursday evening concert showcases some of the finest musical talent in Cornwall. On Saturday and Sunday afternoon we have a more relaxed ‘cabaret’ style of concert where you can enjoy tea, coffee, cake and some great performances from local and visiting performers. ‘Food and Folk’ events during lunch times and in the evening are a chance to enjoy some music while you eat.
Workshops – A key area of cultural exchange is our programme of workshops, which are an hour long and provide a more in-depth and practical insight into the different styles of dance, music or song from local and visiting performers.
Language – You'll have a chance to hear Cornish spoken throughout the festival, as well as having a go yourself.
Storytelling – Saturday afternoon is dedicated to the tradition of storytelling, where you may hear old favourites such as the Mermaid of Zennor, alongside stories you don’t know so well.
Sessions – Throughout the festival site and in the local pubs you’ll be able to hear informal music sessions, and join in if the urge takes you to learn and share a few tunes!
Song – Lowender Peran stages formal concerts featuring local choirs as well as informal singing sessions around the festival site and in the pubs.
Seminars – In association with CAVA, the Cornwall Audio Visual Archive, on the Friday afternoon of the festival Lowender Peran explores Cornwall’s cultural identity on a more academic level.
Theatre – The festival often showcases theatre projects, and staged a performance of Cornish Lads by Cornwall Songwriters in 2009."
More info at www.lowenderperan.co.uk

Around Solstice December 2016 - the Montol Festival 2016 Penzance - Cornwall's festival of Midwinter. Penzance, Cornwall.
Lantern, mask, costume workshop, Mummers play, Nos Lowen dances and Midwinter Tales. Full details coming soon at www.montol.co.uk

Around Summer Solstice June 2017 - Golowan Festival 2015 Penzance - Cornwall's festival of Midsummer. Penzance, Cornwall. Golowan is Cornish for “The Feast of John”, and an important day in Penzance’s calendar, falling around Midsummer’s Day. The ancient name ‘Pen Sans’ means ‘Holy Head’ and refers to St.John, the town’s Patron Saint. The feast day has always been an occasion for wild celebration, with the unruly election of a Mock Mayor, and processions of burning torches with traditional music and Penglaz the obby oss. Golowan was suppressed in late Victorian times and all but forgotten for a hundred years, until 1991 when a group of local artists and performers revived the festival on the Saturday nearest to St John’s Feast which they called Mazey Day. Last years the festival included 30 separate events, 50 street entertainers, 20 local schools, 10 stage acts in Festival Square, fireworks, and dancing on the streets ! This year is the revival's 23rd anniversary and will be a memorable festival, which will have more emphasis on local Cornish talent. Full details at www.golowan.org

July 2017 - Golroos - Festival of Cornish Music, Song and Dance at the Seiners Hotel, Beach Road, Perranporth, Cornwall. A weekend festival of Cornish culture, including a mini ale festival and wonderful food!
A Big Nos event in collaboration with Seiners Arms. More info bignos@hotmail.com
Seiners - 01872 573118 www.seiners.co.uk

BRITTANY

Late July 2017 - Breton music festival, Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper, Cornouaille, France. A musically packed 6 day festival of Breton and Celtic culture in the fabulous medieval town of Quimper - all venues walking distance of eachother.
More details at www.festival-cornouaille.com

Celtic Market, Festival de Cornouaille, Quimper, Brittany

Early August 2017 - in Brittany (North-west France) the Festival Interceltique de Lorient at 11, Espace Nayel, 56100 Lorient, France. One of the world's biggest and most famous Celtic music festivals, with artists from all the Celtic nations. Mon - Fri: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Phone France 02 97 21 24 29
More details at www.festival-interceltique.com

ASTURIAS

Mid July 2017 - Asturias (Northern Spain) music festival, Festival Intercéltico de Avilés y Comarca, Avilés. A fabulous 10 day Celtic music and Asturien culture festival in the main square of the medieval town of Avilés. Daytime and evening concerts, local bagpipe competitions, Celtic craft and food market. More details www.fia.esbardu.org

Airiños de Fene Banda de Gaita (Galicia) - Festival Intercéltico de Avilés y Comarca 2010

CANTABRIA

August 2017 - the Festival Sauga-Folk will take place in Colindres, Cantabria, Northern Spain. Colindres is a coastal town in eastern Cantabria, near Laredo, east of Santander.
More info at www.sauga.es

PORTUGAL

Early August 2017 - the Festival Interceltico Sendim will take place in Sendim, Braganca, Portugal.
More info at www.intercelticosendim.com

GERMANY

August 2018 - the Irish Folkfestival Burg Volmarstein 2018 will take place in Wetter, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. (Schloß Strasse). The festival takes place every two years. More info tel: +49 2361 14194, or at www.irishfolk-volmarstein.de

ITALY

19th-23rd September - the Barga School of Scots Music, Song and Dance will take place in Barga, Tuscany, Italy. Learn and share Scots and Gaelic traditional song, music and dance in a beautiful hill town in Tuscany. Join them for a week-long school with world class tutors from Scotland and Cape Breton. Organised by Càirdeas nam Piobairean, Hamish Moore’s fellowship of pipers. Tutors:
Gary West – Pipes. Fin Moore – Pipes. Fiona Hunter – Scots song. Kathleen MacInnes– Gaelic song. Sarah McFadyen – Fiddle. Derrick Cameron (Cape Breton) – Guitar accompaniment. Melody Cameron (Cape Breton) – Step dance and Fiddle. Pat Ballantyne – Step dance.
Organisers: Hamish Moore – founder and organiser of the Barga School. Iain Richardson – web, Facebook and email.
Fees: The course fee for all participants is £250, which covers the full week’s tuition.
Travel, accommodation and meals are not included.
Schedule: The School runs from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd September 2016. Each day’s tuition will include classes of your first and second choice plus an integrated class at the end of each day. A tutors concert will take place on one of the evenings.
Location: Barga dates back a thousand years and is a walled hill town of astounding beauty. As well as being surrounded by natural, spectacular mountain scenery its architectural glory is a joy and its narrow streets and lanes make pedestrian transport the norm. This all adds to the incredible charm of the town.
Accommodation and Travel: they have secured places at the Villa Gherardi Hostel, at a very reasonable price of 25 Euros per person per night, including breakfast. Please contact Adele Pierotti directly to enquire about accommodation at the hostel: adelepierotti@yahoo.it
Alternatively, Barga is well served with excellent self-catering accommodation properties. The classes will be held in the Old Town. Barga has some amazing restaurants and cafes. Lunches are available for participants for 5 Euros, either sit in or delivered to the Conservatorio each day. There will be a Whisky Tasting on the Sunday evening (note that Barga is the most Scottish town in Italy….) and a Wine and Polenta Night on the Wednesday evening. The nearest airports are Florence and Pisa. Barga is around 1.5 hours drive from either airport.
Register and book your place at the Barga event. www.hamishmoore.org/barga2016

June 2017 - Festival Internazionale di Musica e Cultura Celtica di Trieste in Trieste, Italy. More info at www.utherpendragon.it

Aug-September 2017 - "A Boxful Of Treasures Folk Festival" - An International Festival of Traditional & Folk Music from the Celtic Lands will take place at the Piazza Aurelio Saffi, Centro Storico, Forlì, Italy. Forli is located in the Po Valley, more precisely in Romagna, 5 km away from the first hills of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Preappennino. Forlì is crossed by the "Emilia" road, and is 63 km from Bologna, 14 km from Faenza, 19km from Cesena, and about 25 km Ravenna. Florence, through the "Tuscan-Romagna" road is 100 miles away.
Ingresso Gratuito/Free Admission. A multi-day music festival organised on a non-commercial basis that hosts and promotes well established folk musicians and emerging young talents.
Direzione Artistica /Artistic Direction: Associazione Culturale, "A Boxful of Treasures Folk Club", Via Decio Raggi 240, 47121 Forlì, Italy. Phone: +39 349-54.44.330.
More info e-mail Antonio Mastroianni at antoniomastroianni@yahoo.it or vist these websites: www.myspace.com/aboxfuloftresuresfolkfest
www.myspace.com/folkmusichouse
www.mastroia.wix.com/boxful-folk-club

SWEDEN

July 2017 - Ljungbacka folk music festival 2017 in Sölvesborg's municipality, Ebbalycke, Blekinge Län, Sweden. 3:00pm - 9:00pm. A folk music festival for the whole family, in a beautiful natural setting, run by Maui Celtic's friend Stef Sigfalk and his family. This 2nd year with CajsaStina Åkerström in concert. A wide spectrum of folk music with instrumentalists and singers on the main stage and spontaneous sessions on the patios, under the old chestnut tree or between the birch trees. The house is open to all musicians and listeners.

Ljungbacka folk music festival 2015 in Sweden

Bring your beach chair or blanket to sit on in front of the stage or take a walk around the gardens and listen to various sessions in a beautiful environment. Bring your own picknick or buy coffee or other drinks with sandwiches or cakes on Ljungbacka. Swedish sausages are barbequed over different open fires. Äppelgården's iceland ponies are available for horse riding in the forest by the big rock.
From Karlshamn drive towards Sölvesborg. In Pukavik drive towards Agerum and Bjäraryd. From Sölvesborg drive towards Gammalstorp and Bjäraryd. Follow the signs to Ljungbackastämman. More info at www.ljungbackastamman.com
Contact: bowtriplets@shlink.ch, or phone 0041 79 216 70 04

AMERICA

September 2017 - NO INFO YET on the Seacoast Irish Festival which takes place in Dover, New Hampshire 12pm-9pm, downtown at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park. "The Biggest Little Irish Festival in the World !"
The Festival will feature over a dozen performers over the course of the afternoon during a rain or shine celebration of Dover's Irish Heritage.
Kelley's Row headlines a host of food and beverage providers that will be on site at the Festival, which begins at noon and runs until 9 p.m. In addition, Crafters and artisans will be selling Irish art and jewelry, along with a full slate of music, dancing and other traditional Irish entertainment. For more information visit www.seacoastirishfestival.org.

Mid October 2016 - the Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, CA. In Seaside Park in beautiful Ventura County, Central Coast of California at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA. More info at www.seaside-games.com

October 2016 - NO INFO YET on the Banjo Burke Festival in East Durham, NY. Over Columbus Weekend, enjoy traditional music and dance, and Irish hospitality among the beautiful fall foliage of Greene County's Catskills. Website was www.joebanjoburke.org

October 2016 - NO INFO YET on the Portal Irish Music Festival in Portal, AZ. Irish music music camp, with evening sessions and a concert. "A unique combination of intensive, quality time with world-class instructors AND a relaxing retreat in one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse places on Earth". 2011 Staff : Brian Conway (Fiddle), Paddy O’Brien (Accordion), Turlach Boylan (Flute), Matt Heaton (Guitar/Bouzouki), Marla Fibish (Mandolin), Will Harmon (Fiddle), Dain Forsythe (Bodhrán), Pete Strickler (Tenor Banjo). More details at www.portalmusicweek.com

March 2017 - the Kern County Scottish Society's Annual Scottish Games and Gathering in Bakersfield, CA. in the Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South P Street, Bakersfield, CA 93307. More info at www.kernscot.com/games

Around April 6th 2017 - the New York Tartan Day Parade in New York City. One of the many activities during Tartan Week to celebrate Scottish heritage. The full calendar of events and all the news of what’s happening in the City during Tartan Week from all the societies and organizations at www.nyctartanweek.org. Contact: 212 980 0844
“I have always been proud to call myself a Scot. Marching up 6th Avenue to the sound of the bagpipes and the roar of the crowd was a wonderful opportunity to have New York share in my pride. I am happy to wish the Tartan Day Committee good luck with their new website.”
Sir Sean Connery, Oscar Award-winning actor.

April 2017 - the St. Louis Tionól is on in St. Louis, Missouri. A weekend of sessions and workshops focusing on traditional Irish Music, under the auspices of the Focal Point Traditional Arts Center. Musicians of all levels can get together, play music, and learn from each other. With 2 concerts and a Ceili ! More info at www.tionol.org

April 2017 - the Las Vegas Celtic Gathering and Highland Games near Las Vegas, Nevada. In Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs.
More info at www.lasvegascelticsociety.org

Late April 2017 - the Annual Sacramento Valley Scottish Games and Festival near Sacramento, CA. In Yolo County Fairgrounds at Woodland, CA.
More info at www.saccallie.org/games

April - June 2017 - Cuala NYC, New York City's Irish Cultural Festival.
New York City's annual festival of Irish culture.
Phone (646) 490-6446. Email contact@cualagroup.com. More info at http://www.cualanyc.com.

Late May 2017 - the Missouri River Irish Fest is on in St. Charles, Missouri.
More info at www.missouririveririshfest.com

Late May 2017- the ScotsFest Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, CA. In the Orange County Fair and Event Center (88 Fair Drive), Costa Mesa CA.
More info at www.scotsfest.com

Mid-June 2017 - The Big Irish Fair at Irvine Lake, CA. In Oak Cyn Park on the south side of Irvine Lake, CA. More info at www.irishfair.org

Mid July 2017 - The annual Irish American Heritage Festival will take place at the Irish American Heritage Center, (4626 N Knox Ave) Chicago. Irish Fest showcases the finest in local and international Irish and American music, dance and family activities. The festival directly supports and is held on the grounds of the Center - their biggest fundraiser of the year. Hours - Fri 6-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-11 p.m. The festival features three days of music on 5 stages.
The Folk Tent with hands-on activity and demonstrations of Irish instruments, dances and sing-alongs. Irish and American food is available throughout the weekend, vendors and artisans selling Irish clothing, music and jewelry. Poetry readings, language lessons, one act plays and salon concerts. Tea Room with live harp and piano music, a proper cup of tea and sandwiches and an air conditioned Shamrock American Room.
Advance tickets call 773-282-7035, ext. 10 or online at www.irishfestchicago.com.

Mid July 2017 - the Maine Celtic Celebration takes place in Belfast, Maine. A celebration of the culture, music, and heritage of the Celtic nations in Belfast!
Belfast, Maine, and it's surrounding area was founded and built by the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Cornwall and Brittany. John Miller named Belfast after his hometown after he won a flip of the coin. The heritage and culture continues today.
The 3-day celebration is planned as a “donation only” event. No admission to the shows or workshops will be charged and visitors are free to donate what they feel the event is worth.
Featured Musicians: Bohola, trio Winifred Horan, Johnny B. Connolly & Cary Novotny, Open the Door for Three, Boghat, The Press Gang, The Stowes. More info at www.mainecelticcelebration.com

July 2017 - the Portland Highland Games near Portland, Oregon. At the Mt.Hood Community College, Gresham, OR. More info at www.phga.org

Late July 2017 - the Annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering at Enumclaw, WA. In the Expo Center, 45224 284th Ave SE, Enumclaw, WA. Formerly the King County Fairgrounds. More info at www.sshga.org

Mid August 2017 - Milwaukee Irish Festival, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A. The biggest Irish music festival in the world with 4 days of world-class Irish music (and Scottish) on several stages - also workshops, food and vendors.
An amazing line-up ! More details at www.irishfest.com

Late August/ early Sept 2017 - the Pleasanton Scottish Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, CA. In the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA. One of the biggest Highland Games in the world, held on Labor Day Weekend. More info at www.thescottishgames.com

Early Sept 2017 - the South Shore Irish Festival, Marshfield, Massachusetts. In the Marshfield Fair Grounds, 140 Main St., Marshfield, MA. More info at www.southshoreirishfestival.com

CANADA

Mid October 2016 - Celtic Colours International Festival takes place at locations all round Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Celtic Heart of North America.
Celebrating North America's only living Celtic Culture on a world renowned island paradise ! One of the world's biggest and most famous Celtic music festivals, with artists from many Celtic nations. Non-stop musical actio at this amazing festival running for 10 days. Workshops, talks, afternoon and evening concerts, and the legendary late night Festival Club at the Gaelic College in St.Anne?s running until 3am !
More details at www.celtic-colours.com

Late October 2016 - Re-Jigged: Celebrating New Celtic Music & Dance takes place in downtown Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. At Christ Church Hall, Ochterloney St., Dartmouth. RE-JIGGED showcases and nurtures the best emerging and established local talent alongside national and international independent music and dance in the genre of “new trad.” (traditional) Celtic music. More details at www.rejiggedfestival.com

Early October 2017 - Celtic Harmonies International Festival takes place in the beautiful Eastern Townships (Knowlton, Bromont & Waterloo) of Québec, Canada.
10 days of unforgettable concerts, Celtic music, dance, storytelling. Lectures, master classes and workshops.
Celtic Harmonies International Festival takes place every two years in the Eastern Townships when the autumn colours are at their peak. Their motto is “Let Nature Soothe Your Soul, Let the Music Feed Your Imagination”. They chose the Eastern Townships to hold this Festival because of its spectacularly beautiful landscapes – the perfect location for people to slow down and reconnect with nature.
“Picture yourself sitting in a quaint 150-year-old church sipping a local wine and listening to world-class Celtic music, while the sun setting over the Autumn-coloured mountains streams in through stained glass windows.....It’s awe-inspiring!”
Last year's artists:
Ireland: Blackie O’Connell – one of Ireland’s most exciting Uilleann pipers; Cyril O’Donoghue – a fine singer and bouzouki player from County Clare; Michael Tubridy – one of the founding members of The Chieftains; Mike Burns – an amazing storyteller from Ireland – a true shanachie.
Scotland: Tony McManus – "The best Celtic guitarist in the world" according to John Renbourn.
France: Nicolas Quemener – one of the most popular guitarists in Brittany and a beautiful singer; Gaël Lefévère – an accomplished “sonneur de bombarde”, the medieval instrument of Brittany; Les Siffleurs de nuit – a lively and talented group of Breton and Québécois musicians and singers; Patrick Ourceau – “One of the finest fiddlers in the ranks of foreign-born musicians playing traditional Irish music.” - Fiddler Magazine.
Canada’s East Coast: Troy MacGillivray and Andrea Beaton – award-winning fiddlers, piano players and step-dancers from Nova Scotia; Richard Wood – "Prince Edward Island's Bow-shredding Fiddling Sensation" The Scotsman; Gord Belsher – singer/guitarist and recipient of PEI Music’s 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award; Ellen Gibling – accomplished harpist from Nova Scotia;
Québec: Dave Gossage and the Celtic Mindwarp – One of the most popular Celtic groups in Montréal; Dave, its multi-talented leader, will direct the Closing Concert; Seán Dagher – talented singer and cittern/mandolin player; Patrick Graham – extraordinary percussionist; Sandy Silva – percussive dancer known for her performances with the Bottine souriante; Nicholas Williams – multi-instrumentalist, formerly of Crowfoot, now with Genticorum and other groups; Siamsa Montréal Ceili Band, Black Watch Association Pipes & Drums, Celtic Grace Irish Dancers, Stephenson School of Highland Dance.
Québecois Traditional Music: Pascal Gemme – fiddler of Genticorum; Benoit Bourque – member of La Bottine Souriante, a charismatic, exuberant, musician, caller and master stepdancer!; Manigance – among Québec’s best traditional musicians “their joie de vivre is contagious!”.
More details at www.celticharmonies.ca

July 2017 - Vancouver Folk Music Festival at Jericho Beach, Vancouver BC. Internationally known folk music festival by the beach, normally with plenty Celtic content. More details at www.thefestival.bc.ca

Mid July 2017 - Celtfest 2017 Vancouver Island on Vancouver Island, BC. Celt Fest is a weeklong summer school for traditional Celtic music, song, art and dancing run by René & Carolyn Cusson of the Pacific Institute of Piping & Celtic Performing Arts. This great school normally has lessons in Scottish and Irish pipes, whistle, bodhran and drumming, fiddle, harp, guitar, song (Gaelic and English), cello, Cetic art, Highland and Ceilidh dancing, Irish and Cape Breton stepdancing !! Not to mention ceilidhs every night with the faculty and students !
More details at www.celtfest.ca

Scantily Plaid - Celtfest 2008 Vancouver Island

Mid Sept 2017 - Halfax Celtic Festival takes place at Halifax Forum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Free Admission. More details at www.halifaxcelticfest.ca

AUSTRALIA

10th-13th March 2017 - the Port Fairy Folk Festival takes place in Port Fairy on the South West Coast of Victoria. Port Fairy is approximately 28km from Warrnambool, and 290km from Melbourne, (3.5 hours by car via Princes/Hamilton Highway, or 6 hours if taking the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road. The township is an old sea-side fishing and farming village looking out to the Southern Ocean waves rolling along the south-west coast of the state of Victoria. It was along this south coast of Australia that ships sailed in the early years of immigration. Many were wrecked on the rocks.
The festival program includes international and Australian artists in a several genres including Celtic, folk, roots, blues, jazz, world, country and bluegrass in both ticketed and free venues. There is also comedy, spoken word, family friendly activities, street performers, craft and market stalls, workshops, theme concerts, the Festival Choir and exhibitions of Australian made, handcrafted musical instruments. This year's artists at www.portfairyfolkfestival.com/artists/.

Early May 2017 - Australian Celtic Festival at the Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia. The Australian Celtic Festival is held in Glen Innes "Celtic Country" on the first weekend in May annually, at the Australian Standing Stones, located in the Centennial Parklands (off Gwydir Hwy), high on a hilltop overlooking the township. A meeting place for the Celtic Clans and Associations of Australia to gather and celebrate their Celtic history, attracting close to 4500 visitors, with song, dance, history and food. The festival honours a different Celtic Nation annually, 2011 - The Year of the Irish ! Held over four days with three stages of performers - also Pipebands, Irish and Scottish Dancers, and storytelling. Celtic Ceremonies, Kirking of the tartans, Dawn Service, Massed Pipe Bands, Street Parade, Strongman Events, Children's activities, Poet's breakfast, Celtic Stalls, Yard dog Championships, Fun Run and Walk, Celtic Food and Celtic Tours. More information at www.australiancelticfestival.com

ARGENTINA

Mid-February 2017 - Patagonia Céltica 2017 takes place in Estancia La Paz, Trevelin, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina. More than 100 artists, national and international.
Celtic music, dancing, food, artisans, and games. More info on Facebook at Patagonia-Celtica.

Mid May 2017 - Festival Celta, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
For more information: www.festivalcelta.com.ar

CUBA

Mid April 2017 - CeltFest Cuba in Havana, Cuba. The Caribbean celebration of music and dance, originally from the Celtic Nations of Europe, which has migrated to the New World. "Staged in Cuba in La Habana Vieja (Old Havana, a UNESCO Heritage site), the festival's backdrop is an architectural gem, the most beautiful and fascinating old city in the Caribbean."
More information at www.celtfestcuba.org

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