The Gaelic College, St. Ann's

One of the things that sets Celtic Colours apart from the vast majority of festivals taking place around the globe is that it isn't limited to just one location. Communities around Cape Breton Island host concerts and workshops at a time when the fall leaves are at their most brilliant and traveling around the island offers one breathtaking view after another. These communities have nurtured the culture for over 200 years, providing context for the roots of the music and celebrating each community's contribution to the island's living Celtic culture.

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In particular, the Festival was praised for working with communities to present concerts, workshops and educational programs, its efforts to preserve and celebrate Celtic culture, music and the Gaelic language, and for its economic impact on the Island.

Celtic Colours generated an economic impact of approximately $4.5 million in 2008. That impact is felt throughout Cape Breton Island because of the de-centralized design of the Festival that saw 47 concerts and more than 250 community events and workshops presented in 45 communities around the island.

Bridging the Atlantic with Culture and Music

As preparations continue for the thirteenth annual Celtic Colours International Festival, organizers are excited to announce that this year's festival will focus on the strong ties and influence of Irish music and culture. Over the past 12 years, the Festival has offered a wide range of music from Celtic nations around the world. While this has been a very effective way to introduce some of the broad influences on Celtic music and culture world-wide, this year's event will concentrate on one region, Ireland. As usual, the Festival will feature local and international artists, as well as many from Ireland, as it explores the Irish influence on Cape Breton's Celtic music and culture and the immense contribution Irish music and culture has had on the Celtic music of the world.

"We are always learning and growing in our understanding of Celtic cultures around the world. This year we plan a major focus on Ireland throughout the festival. We want to compare and contrast the musical traditions that we share with our Irish cousins."

- Joella Foulds (Artistic Director, Celtic Colours International Festival)

The 2009 Celtic Colours International Festival will take place October 9-17^th, in communities all over Cape Breton Island. The full line up for the Festival will be announced on June 22^nd, 2009. This announcement will introduce the artists, venues, concerts and community events that will help us celebrate the influences of Irish music and culture in Celtic music world-wide and here in Cape Breton. Tickets will go on Sale this year on July 6^th, 2009 and will be available on line at www.celtic-colours.com or at our Box Office at the Sydney Marine Terminal.