CelticFest Vancouver to take over Robson Square for Saint Patrick's Day and more

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Contrary to popular belief, Scotland and Ireland are about so much more than leprechauns, kilts, and elaborate Game of Thrones sets.

      Set to showcase the best culture that the Emerald Isle and Caledonia have to offer, Vancouver’s CelticFest highlights traditions and customs from across the pond. Hosting a series of events that celebrate Celtic music, dance, sport, and art, the festival encourages Vancouverites to paint the town green.

      The highlight of the eight-day extravaganza is the Saint Patrick’s Day weekend. From March 17 through 18, Robson Square, the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, and Robson Street at Howe will be transformed into the Celtic Village. From midday until 11 p.m., the streets will fill with Celtic tunes and traditional dancers, artisan vendors, and—in true Paddy’s Day tradition—the Mill Street beer garden.

      With its large main stage, the event is set to feature live performances from award-winning fusion band Delhi 2 Dublin on Friday, with local folk-rock-Celtic artists The Paperboys taking the mic on Saturday. Supported by acts such as Tiller’s Folly, Wheat in the Barley, the Pat Chessell Band, and Eire Born Irish Dancers, the event ensures that the fiddle will be playing all day long.

      Scotland’s heritage won’t be neglected either, with the six-time world champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band set to bring a touch of the North to the festivities. Highland dancers will showcase their skills as people bravely attempt to toss the caber, and some of the city’s best bagpipers are set to play a “Salute to Scotland.”

      "This year we have engaged in an exciting partnership with John Donnelly & Associates to bring a truly outstanding line up of entertainment to Downtown Vancouver and the surrounding areas,” says CelticFest Vancouver Board Chair, Alan Cosgrave, "As an Irish national living in Canada, I always look forward to CelticFest and it never ceases to amaze me how many other people from so many different backgrounds also look forward to the festival."

      CelticFest begins on March 10 and runs events throughout the month and into April:

      March 10 - Irish Sports Night Gala with Mick Galwey and Pat Spillane at St Mary’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre

      March 12 - Sharon Shannon at St. James Hall

      March 14, 16 & 18 - Almost a Stepmom - Play at Havana Theatre

      March 15 - 18 -  Belfast Girls Play at East Vancouver Cultural Centre

      March 17 & 18 -  Celtic Village at Robson Square

      March 17 -  Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir at Christ Church Cathedral

      March 18 - Celtic Fest Ceilidh at St Mary’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre

      April 7 -  Carlos Nunez at the Vogue Theatre

      More detailed event schedules, info, and tickets are available at www.celticfestvancouver.com

      Follow Kate Wilson on Twitter @KateWilsonSays

      Comments