A concert by Alan Stivell, a Breton market in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, and a traditional Breton lunch are some of the events to take place this week for the Galway-Lorient Twinning annual celebration.
The celebrations take place tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday to mark the 36th anniversary of the original twinning of the two towns in 1975.
The first event will see Bretons visit Claregalway National School and Coláiste na Coiribe tomorrow to give a demonstration of Breton dancing and music. That evening there will be a Breton session in Tigh Coili at 6pm and Tigh Neachtain at 7pm. At 10pm there will be a mini-Fest Noz in Town Hall Bar.
On Saturday from 9am, Galwegians will be able to sample and purchase Breton food, cider, and traditional crèpes at the outdoor Breton market in the grounds of St Nicholas’. Rouge Restaurant will also have its Breton chef selling Breton patisseries.
Then in the Town Hall at 8pm, the legendary Alan Stivell, one of the greatest Celtic folk musicians, returns to Galway to give a concert with guests Caitriona Ní Ceannabhain (vocals ) and Caitriona Cannon (harp ).
He is best known for the influential 1971 album Renaissance De La Harpe Celtique, a landmark in both Celtic and world music. He remains an active recording artist and live performer and the most significant ambassador for Brittany, and its music, on the international stage.
Alan’s Galway concerts in the 1970s are still fondly remembered and a night of incredible music from this master harpist is assured.
The Breton events come to a close with a Breton lunch in Rouge Restaurant on Sunday. Rouge Restaurant will create an authentic and delicious Breton lunch using different Breton local products, including a dish which uses the traditional recipe of the restaurant’s Breton chef’s grandmother and a Kir Breton (blackcurrant + cider ) to get things started. Lunch will also be accompanied by traditional Breton music and dance.
Tickets for Alan Stivell are available from the Town Hall (091 - 569777, www.tht.ie ). Tickets for the Breton Lunch also through 091 - 530681. All other events are free.
