Cape Breton Communities Welcome Celtic Colours

Government of Canada supports unique celebration in Atlantic Canada

 

October 7, 2016 – Port Hawkesbury, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Communities across Cape Breton are tuning their strings and polishing their dance floors as they prepare to welcome visitors from around the world during this year’s Celtic Colours International Festival.  Now in its 20^th year, Celtic Colours is a unique nine day celebration of Celtic music and culture with dozens of concerts and hundreds of community events taking place in more than 60 rural communities on Cape Breton Island.

In 2014, the Government of Canada announced it would invest a total of $1,050,000 over three years to assist festival organizers to grow and expand the reach of this world-class event.  Now in the final year of the agreement, Celtic Colours anticipates festival-goers will spend even more in 2016 than the $11.5 million spent last year in communities around the Island. With the support received through ACOA, Celtic Colours was able to expand livestream capabilities, allowing an additional 32,000 online viewers to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival from anywhere in the world.

This year’s festival kicks off tonight with a concert at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre featuring a performance by Symphony Nova Scotia. Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, will be on hand to welcome the attendees on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency,

Cape Breton Island is home to the only living Gaelic culture in North America. The Festival celebrates Celtic heritage by inviting Celtic artists around the world to share their music and culture.

Quotes

“Together with the Province of Nova Scotia and the private sector, the Government of Canada recognizes the important role that a sustainable tourism industry plays in building a strong, healthy regional economy. We are committed to investing in projects and initiatives that build on Atlantic Canada’s competitive advantages, including the promotion of Cape Breton as a premier tourism destination for Celtic culture and heritage.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“A sustainable tourism industry is vital to building a strong, healthy economy for our region. The Celtic Colours International Festival extends Cape Breton’s tourism season well into the autumn and introduces local musicians and artists to visitors from more than two dozen countries, complementing other tourism offerings on the island and encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore.”

-       Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso

“An event the size and scope of the Celtic Colours International Festival requires ongoing investment if we are to continue to make an impact on our culture, our communities and our economy. We are proud that after 20 years we are able to demonstrate that impact on an annual basis. The Board and Staff of Celtic Colours is grateful for the support of our Federal, Provincial, corporate and community partners who make it all possible.”

-       Joella Foulds, Executive Director, Celtic Colours International Festival 
 

Associated Links

• Celtic Colours Festival website
• Celtic Colours Facebook Page
• @Celtic_Colours on Twitter
• Atlantic Growth Strategy

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

Dave Mahalik
Information Officer
Celtic Colours International Festival
Phone: 902-562-6700 / 902-565-6441 (cell)
E-mail: dave@celtic-colours.com

Background:

Celtic Colours Festival Society:

The Celtic Colours Festival Society is a not-for-profit organization registered under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia since 1997.  It has a volunteer Board of Directors with representatives from across Cape Breton Island. The Society operates the annual Celtic Colours International Festival that will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

Celtic Colours International Festival:

The Celtic Colours International Festival is a nine-day festival which takes place in communities throughout Cape Breton Island.  It celebrates the living Celtic traditions of Cape Breton and invites Celtic artists from around the world to share their music, and immerses thousands of visitors in the region’s rich culture. The Festival has become one of Nova Scotia’s premier tourism events. The economic impact based on expenditures by festival attendees for 2013 to 2015 were $8.3 million, $10.4 million and $11.5 million respectively. Since its early years, Celtic Colours has received various regional and national awards of excellence.

Celtic Colours is held at the height of Cape Breton Island’s spectacular fall colours. As visitors travel from event to event they get to experience first-hand the beauty of the raw, rugged coastline and the magnificent mountains of the Highlands. They can also explore the expanse of the Bras d’Or Lake, Canada’s largest in-land sea and UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve, or experience the world famous Cabot Trail, often called North America’s most scenic drive.

One of the most popular features of Celtic Colours each year is the Festival Club. Located at the Colaisde Na Gàidhlig / Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, the licensed Festival Club opens as the evening concerts are closing, offering an opportunity for Festival artists to showcase in a more informal setting.