Celtic Colours a success
International festival wrapped up Saturday night
The 21st annual Celtic Colours International Festival winded down on Saturday with sold-out performances across Cape Breton.
At the Gaelic College in St. Anns, multiple performers showcased their skills and entertained a crowd of more than 400 people. The Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association, which is made up of amateur as well as professional and well-known players and composers, headlined the event and hosted workshops.
The festival, which took place over nine days at dozens of locations across Cape Breton, is not only a way to draw performers from all over the world, but also shows Cape Breton’s culture and talent on a grand scale.
Betty Matheson, who is a member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association and step danced in previous Celtic Colours festivals, said that the nine-day event is a great ambassador for Cape Breton.
“This is wonderful. As Cape Bretoners we’re always proud of our own and Celtic Colours has brought in so many people from all across the world and made our culture so much more known to people everywhere,” said Matheson.
The festival continues to grow in popularity after 21 years. This year, 44 of the 49 shows across the island were sold out. Mike MacSween, the executive director of Celtic Colours said this year has been a success from Day 1.
“We’ve had stellar shows across the island and every one I witnessed has been great — for me what makes them special is when I see folks leaving with a smile on their face and you can tell they’re in a state of bliss,” said MacSween.
Lawrence Cameron, a piano player MacSween who has been playing shows at the festival for 10 years, said this year’s festival has had an increase in local support and attendance.
“I’ve noticed an increase in locals attending. Traditionally it used to be the visitors who filled up the seats, but I keep seeing locals coming now being interested in what’s being offered and it’s nice to see,” said Cameron.
The Celtic Colours International Festival wrapped up Saturday night with a grand finale at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre featuring Cherish the Ladies, Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell, J.P. Cormier, James Keelaghan, Buddy MacDonald and Imar.