Ramblers, gamblers, lads and lassies are all invited to attend the 12th Annual Almonte Celtfest being held in the natural amphitheatre of Gemmill Park that is now extended over four days. From Thursday July 10 through to Sunday July 13 audiences can enjoy the great traditions and contemporary styling’s of Celtic music, song and dance from the Ottawa and Ottawa Valley region and the talent is truly fabulous.
Thursday July 10 will be the first ever Celtfest Movie Night featuring the hilarious comedy “Waking Ned Devine”. This feel good movie with its outstanding traditional Irish music sound track touches on the universal themes of friendship and the corrupting power of money and greed. Come enjoy popcorn, refreshments and a good laugh on the big screen at the Old Town Hall.
On Friday July 11, the accomplished Valley theatre troupe, Stone Fence Theatre Company is presenting On the Air with Mac Beattie’s Melodiers, a trip back in time with the area’s greatest songwriter and most popular entertainer, Mac Beattie!
Saturday July 12 is a going to be a fun filled day all around Almonte. During the day young and old alike can enjoy Celtic music and a range of activities downtown or participate in the afternoon fiddle and music workshops being held in the Old Town Hall.
The kick-off-concert on Saturday night will feature the musical styling’s of Cape Breton’s own singer/songwriter Buddy MacDonald, along with the Celtic party folk music of one of the most musically diverse bands around, The Riverthieves. Audiences will also enjoy the hard-driving Celtic derived bluegrass band, One Square Mile and the talented up-tempo group from Eastern Ontario, Greenwich Meantime.
Following the concert Celtic music lovers are encouraged to dance, sing and clap their night away at the After Hours Cailidh hosted by Buddy MacDonald at the Old Town Hall. The extraordinary fiddling of Patrick Ourceau along with one of the most accomplished piano accompanists for traditional music in Canada, Julie Schryer, the electrifying performance of Alexis MacIsaac, a skilled fiddler for the famed touring troupe “Riverdance”and many more will make you see what a social dance in Ireland is all about. This festival fundraiser runs from 9:00 p.m onwards and has a $10.00 admission fee.
Sunday, July 13, from 11:30 to 6:30 p.m, Celtfest’s Main Event features the one-of-a-kind Celtic rock band, Hadrian’s Wall, the exciting Shannon Irish Dancers and the great talents of Kelly Sloan, The Barley Shakers, the Monday Night Fiddlers, Robynn Glockling, Matt Pepin and Friends, Patrick Ourceau and Julie Schryer, Gilles Roy Step with Andre Brunet, Martine Billette and Gaston Nolet, The Riverthieves, The Ryans, the Kyle Felhaver Band and Fusion Dancers and many more!
The O’Connell’s Acoustic Session Tent will be back this year hosting an all afternoon session. They invite all musicians to come out and join in this terrific celebration of the great traditional music of the Valley, and its Celtic origins. Tables and chairs provide a pub style atmosphere for those who wish to sit back and take it all in.
Visitors can also peruse through wonderful Celtic inspired crafts and artisan produced festival clothing, jewelry and art-pieces at the Artisan’s Village while enjoying some of Celtfest’s delicious food and refreshments from one of the many venues.
Children can enjoy playing like the Irish do in the Little Celts Children’s Area. Face painting, children’s games, step dancing lessons and a private stage will keep them entertained all afternoon long.
For more information and to see where to purchase tickets please visit the website at www.almonteceltfest.com or contact the Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce at (613) 256-7886.
Celtfest is made possible thanks to the many volunteers, sponsors and donations and the main outdoor festival continues to be “a free family day in the park.”