Wednesday 31 August 2011

Dunedin Celtic Arts Festival programme released

for 2011 Festival, 9 September - 3 October

The Dunedin Celtic Art Festival organising committee are thrilled with the 2011 programme of events which has been released this week. The Festival is set to take place from 9 September to 3 October and will include Celtic-themed concerts, workshops, exhibitions, public lectures, ecumenical services and much more.

The 5th biennial Festival has been expanded to over three weeks for 2011 to highlight the diversity of Dunedin’s Celtic culture to visitors and citizens alike. With the expected influx of visitors to Dunedin the Festival has focussed on "who we are" as a point of difference to our Northern hemisphere counterparts. This is reflected in events covering everything from music and dance to art and academia.

“A major highlight of the 2011 Festival will be the Town Hall Ceilidh (pronounced 'caley'). It has been several years since the Dunedin Town Hall has seen a large social dance event which is something it used to be renowned for. To have the floor full people doing dances that anyone can do, to a small orchestra of folk musicians, will be a sight to see.”

Mike Moroney, Festival Co-ordinator

Another event not to be missed will be the Red Hot Chilli Pipers concert on Saturday 1 October. Formed in 2002, The Chilli’s have fast become a global phenomenon, taking their signature 'Bagrock' sound to the masses and rocking far-flung shores from New York to Beijing and everywhere in between with their unique fusion of rocked up Bagpipes and clever covers of popular songs from all genres.

The Festival has been 18 months in the planning and the programme includes over 30 events. The programme can be found at various locations, including the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre and online at www.dunedincelticarts.org.nz .

ENDS

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