Almonte Celtfest is celebrating their 30th anniversary this summer and you’re invited to enjoy an extra special edition of the festival in Gemmill Park from July 3-5.
Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly entertainment featuring musical performances by powerhouse Celtic family band Leahy, CFMA-award-winning singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant, and Celtic rockers the Derina Harvey Band. The Celtfest crew is delighted to offer all three days of festival programming by-donation to celebrate the anniversary.
Featuring the trad sound of Kelly Sloan & Jig, crowd pleasers CR5 Bluegrass, and the Québécois folk of Bon Débarras and Cécilia, the program has something for everyone. Among other highlights are Chelsey June & the Woven Ones and US–based Irish musician Ailíse.
This year’s festival also carries on a strong tradition of showcasing local musicians with plenty of talented area performers on the bill. These include community favourites the Barley Shakers and the Almonte Legion Pipe Band, the Ottawa Celtic Choir, Graham Lindsey & Friends, Nichols School of Highland dance, and the country guitar picking of the Joe Ray McDonald band.
While the music on the main stage is excellent, there’s lots more to take in at Celtfest. The Saturday morning workshops offer a wide variety of lessons, instructors and activities, including step dancing, guitar, all levels of fiddle, and more. The tough part is choosing which one to sign up for!
Rounding out the event will be a Celtic Market featuring artists, makers and food vendors; crafts, yard games and face painting for the kids; Gaelic sports matches from the Ottawa Gaels; performances by the Riversong Players and other buskers along Mill Street; and a late night jam session on Saturday.
If you would like to get involved, Celtfest is looking for volunteers for festival weekend. Whether you have several hours to offer or just one, you’re welcome to sign up. There is a volunteer form at AlmonteCeltfest.com. Register now and you could score your very own 30th anniversary t-shirt!
There’s also space for more sponsors. If you would like to support the festival but aren’t sure what we offer or where to start, send us an email and we will find something custom-made for you.
And if you’re keen to get your Celtfest on early, check out Tartan: Culture & Cloth, an exhibit created and curated by Almonte Celtfest and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Expect to find a stunning collection of tartans, kilts and housewares that explore the story of the beloved textile. Outside the park, you will also find a Celtfest 30th display at the Almonte branch of the Mississippi Mills Library featuring photos and other festival memorabilia. Check the website and social channels for the dates and times it will be open.
Almonte Celtfest is grateful for support from the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation, the Ontario government, the Town of Mississippi Mills, The Hub, and many other local sponsors. Their generosity ensures that this year’s festival will be one to remember.
Tartan: Culture & Cloth runs until July 26 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Almonte Celtfest takes place from July 3–5 at Gemmill Park in Almonte. Check out AlmonteCeltfest.com for details and follow @AlmonteCeltfest on Facebook and Instagram for festival news and updates.