Letterkenny is set to be the centre of Celtic music, song, language and dance later this month as the 48th International Pan Celtic Festival gets underway.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill and Mayor of Letterkenny Cllr Ian McGarvey jointly unveiled this year’s festival programme at an event earlier today in An Grianan Theatre Letterkenny.
The festival which will take place from 23rd to 28th April will bring together the Celtic nations of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man for what promises to be another unique celebration of the Celtic culture bearing witness to majestic displays of Celtic dancing, pipe band performances, choral performances and even Celtic rock and pop music in all of the Celtic languages.
The festival programme sets out details on what’s on over the course of the festival. There will be many highlights during the week but one of the most colourful will be the carnival street parade in Letterkenny on Friday 26 April.
Other highlights include the concert showcase from the Celtic countries during the official opening in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Tuesday 23 April, the International Song Contest in An Grianan Theatre on Thursday 25 April and the Choral Concert in An Grianan Theatre on Friday 26 April.
Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill believes that the International Pan Celtic Festival is a great opportunity to experience our rich Celtic history and is encouraging visitors to call Letterkenny home for the week of the festival.
“We value a time to pause and focus on the small comforts afforded by good music, language, good friends and good times. In so doing, we strengthen the threads which connect us in this wonderful tapestry of six Celtic Nations.”
Cllr. Ian McGarvey acknowledged that great programme of events planned for Letterkenny during the week saying “great work has been done both by the Council and by many other cultural organisations in organising this festival. They have laid out a programme that will keep us all entertained and busy over the days of the festival.”
Cathaoirleach of Comhairle Idirnáisiúnta Pan-Cheilteach Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha is looking forward to returning to Letterkenny saying “it is with great joy and enthusiasm that the Pan Celtic delegations from Alba, Breizh, Cymru, Éirinn, Mannin and Kernow return to Leitir Ceanainn to celebrate the 48th International Pan Celtic Festival while the highlights of last year’s festival are still fresh in our minds. We look forward to this trip to reconnecting with friends, creating new cultural experiences and renewing our commitment to our shared Celtic heritage”.
Pick up a copy of the festival programme in many outlets in Letterkenny including the Tourist Information Office, An Grianan Theatre, Council Office and the library. It is also available online at www.panceltic.ie
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