A long-standing Cape Breton tradition is in full swing, bringing entertainment to thousands of people on the Island.
The Celtic Colours International Festival is in its 28th year with 50 concerts and 230 community cultural experiences over a nine-day stretch.
As with every year, it and kicked off on the Friday before Thanksgiving weekend and according to the CEO of the Celtic Colours Festival Society, Leanne Birmingham-Beddow, it is going really well.
She tells our newsroom they have already surpassed 15,000 tickets sold, 1,000 more than last year – a steady increase after shutting down for three years due to the pandemic.
“I was just in Cheticamp yesterday for the day where the concert was taking place last night and people are excited. They’re loving the music, loving the concerts. It’s been a great vibe out there in the communities and it’s all over.”
What can you expect?
The Celtic Colours Festival is in venues from one tip of the Island to the other.
Birmingham-Beddow says she’s been everywhere from St. Peter’s, Port Hastings, Port Hawkesbury, Inverness to Margaree.
“You can’t, you know, go anywhere on the Island and not run into somebody that’s not going to Celtic Colours concert or event.”
Events including everything from learning how to square dance, play the spoons, community meals, art exhibits to cultural demonstrations in addition to all of the concerts.
Birmingham-Beddow adds, the event is really creating a sense of community.
A community effort
Birmingham-Beddow gives a big emotional thank you to the people of Cape Breton and all of the volunteers.
She says, they work so hard doing everything from selling tickets to organizing venues to making meals for artists.”
“It is truly humbling to see the number of people that step up and give their time and their talent to make Celtic Colours as successful as it is.”
Grand Finale
A great line up of artists is set for the Grand Finale, according to Birmingham-Beddow, who says it is going to be “fantastic”.
She says there are still lots of tickets left.
Artists include Carlos Nunez, Julie Fowlis, The Dublin Trio, Mary Francis Leahey and the Cape Breton Island Pipe Band.
The Grand Finale is at Centre 200, Saturday night.
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