It has been confirmed that Lili Cardoso, International Celtic harpist and part of the HarpMBass from Brittany, will be performing in this years Kilkenny Celtic Festival taking place from Sept 29 – Oct 3.
HarpMBass is an award winning group that has performed in many of the Celtic nations, their music a mix of Breton and Irish.
They are one of many Celtic acts appearing at the Celtic Festival this year and will be appearing in an exciting concert with two choirs from Bayonne France at the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle, on Thursday Sept 30 at 8pm.
Other groups include Aughakillymaude Mummers from Fermanagh. These are a very energetic group. Their performances date to early Celtic times with ancient dance and costumes. They are a sight to behold and they are to be joined by a dance group from Wales and a Ceili group from Cornwall among others.
All groups will perform in concerts on Thursday and Friday evenings and also in the various street performances at locations around Kilkenny city centre throughout the festival. Some highlights of the festival will include colourful spectacle of the Parade of the Nations on Saturday afternoon where all of the groups will assemble and parade into the grounds of Kilkenny Castle.
This will be followed by an exciting camogie final, staged against the backdrop of the 12th century castle. An entertaining evening is guaranteed for those who attend the Celtic Evening, which will take place on Saturday 2nd in the Springhill Hotel, and feature a traditional Irish meal with performances from all of the visiting groups ----joined by the local Ceoltoirí Kilkenny group, followed by a Céilí with the Ransome Crawlers Ceili Group . On Friday evening there will be a gala concert at Castalia Hall, Ballytobin Callan, another entertainment spectacular not to be missed.
The festival draws to an exhilarating conclusion on Sunday afternoon with cot-racing taking place on the River Nore in Kilkenny city centre. In addition, a range of other activities will take place including Sean Nós and Welsh dance workshops, learning Irish songs through animation, street entertainment and Celtic storytelling. So why not come and sample our own Celtic heritage and that of the other Celtic nations from around the world.
Failtéoirí are now being sought to assist the committee so if you have a few hours to offer on Thursday, Friday or Saturday please email us at infor@celticfestival.ie
Further information www.celticfestival.ie or 086 8141967.
