Folk Alley Festival Feature: Celtic Colours 2024
Ah summer. For a lot of us, it’s the time of year we love the most (Folk Alley host Elena, for one). And for a lot of us, summer is officially “Festival Season.” Great festivals, all around the world, incredible lineups, warm weather (hopefully not too hot!), and the kind of good food that only seems to be available between April and August. Yeah, summer is pretty special.
With the onset of fall and, eventually, winter, one might feel like slowly retreating from society (Elena). HOWEVER, there are simply incredible opportunities to enjoy music all year long. This year, we decided to feature some remarkable festivals that DON’T happen during the sweet months of summer.
To start, check out the Celtic Colours International Festival, a truly unique celebration of Cape Breton Island’s living traditional culture, running from October 11th through October 19th. For these nine days, you’ll discover hundreds of events and activities taking place in communities all over the Island. Yeah — the Festival is held across the ENTIRETY of Cape Breton, not in just one or two venues. So, make sure you plan your trip accordingly!
This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Celtic Colours International Festival, a cornerstone of Cape Breton’s vibrant cultural landscape. Every October, the festival transforms this picturesque island into a hub of music, culture, and community, attracting artists and audiences from all corners of the globe. With a mission to preserve and promote Celtic music and heritage, Celtic Colours offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing everything from classic fiddle tunes to contemporary interpretations of age-old melodies.
Over the years, Celtic Colours has grown from a small, regional gathering to one of the world’s most renowned celebrations of Celtic culture. The festival typically spans nine days, featuring over 50 concerts and more than 200 community events, including workshops, talks, and art exhibits. These events take place in more than 30 communities across Cape Breton Island, providing both locals and visitors the opportunity to experience the island’s rich musical traditions in settings ranging from intimate church halls to bustling community centers.
Attendance at Celtic Colours has flourished, with thousands of people making the journey each year to immerse themselves in the festival’s unique atmosphere. The event not only draws international tourists but also engages Cape Breton’s local communities, fostering a sense of pride and cultural identity. In recent years, the festival has expanded its reach even further by offering live-streamed performances, allowing audiences worldwide to join in the celebration.
Celtic Colours is more than just a music festival—it’s a cultural experience that reflects the resilience and creativity of the Celtic peoples. It serves as a gathering place for musicians and enthusiasts to share their love of the genre, connect across generations, and ensure that these vibrant traditions continue to thrive. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, the festival offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Celtic culture, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Cape Breton.
With a lineup that promises both renowned favorites and exciting new voices, this year’s festival is set to be another unforgettable celebration of the music and spirit that make Cape Breton such a special place.
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MORE about the Celtic Colours International Festival HERE. Read on to enjoy some of the highlights from this year’s lineup (as chosen by Folk Alley).
Friday, October 11th: “Lifting Spirits and Feet with Celtic Music”
Venue: Chestico Museum in Port Hood
A charming museum with music that’ll make you smile? You bet.
Saturday, October 12: “Còmhla Cruinn: Gathered Together”
Venue: St. Barra Church & Christmas Island Communities Centre on Christmas Island (Eilean Na Nollaig)
Gaelic will be front-and-centre again here today with celebrated Gaelic singers and tradition-bearers Mary Jane Lamond and Cathy Ann MacPhee. Plus, pipes and fiddle tunes, and Cape Breton step dancing!
Tuesday, October 15: “Here, There, and Everywhere”
Venue: Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sydney River
Singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists from Cape Breton, Scotland, and the U.S. will be representing here, there, and everywhere tonight at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sydney River. Enjoy performances from Scottish fiddler Ryan Young, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, and more!
Saturday, October 12: “Celtic Knot Quilt Workshop”
Venue: Greenwood United Church, Baddeck
In this hands on workshop led by Norma Marchant, learn how to make a small textile Celtic Knot. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required with a limit of 8 people per class.
Sunday, October 13: “Celtic Jam Session”
Venue: Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre in Whycocomagh
Join host Shelly Campbell for a traditional tune session. Free admission for those who bring their instruments to play along. No reservations required, just drop in, pay at the door.
Monday, October 14: “Scottish Country Dance Workshop”
Venue: St. Peter’s Lions Hall in St. Peter
Learn the basic steps and movements in Scottish Country Dancing followed by instruction in several dances. Prepare to have fun, laughter, exercise, and learning. Also — food!
Tuesday, October 15: “Open Mic Sessions at the Bras d’Or Yacht Club”
Venue: Bras d’Or Yacht Club in Baddeck
Bring your instruments and voices, players and listeners alike are welcome to this open mic, happening daily during the Festival.
Wednesday, October 16: “The Music of the Landscape of Cape Breton”
Venue: Hillsborough-Glendyer Hall in Hillsborough
This interactive event features landscape paintings and photographs, musical interpretations, dance, and discussion. Our artists and musicians will share stories and expressions about the artistry they create.
Saturday, October 19: “The Grand Finale”
Venue: Centre 200 in Sydney
The 28th Celtic Colours International Festival wraps up with a céilidh of grand proportions. In case you haven’t quite had your fill of music over the last nine days, we stacked the lineup for this one, just to make sure. Carlos Núñez is the world’s most famous player of the Galician bagpipes, the gaita, and has been a Celtic Colours favourite since he first wowed Festival audiences in 2002. Plus, the Dublin Trio, the Cape Breton Island Pipe Band and more.
The above represents JUST A SMALL TASTE of the events and performances you’ll enjoy at this year’s Celtic Colours International Festival! To whet your whistle, check out this fun performance from a few years back!
