THE International Pan Celtic Festival was worth a staggering €2 million to the local economy, welcoming almost 20,000 people to Carlow over the past week.
“It was a huge success from start to finish,” enthused Bríde de Róiste of Glór Cheatharlach, one of the organisers of the festival. “It was such an inclusive festival and the people of Carlow made everyone feel so welcome; everyone in Carlow became ambassadors for Pan Celtic,” she added.
Over five days, representatives from the six Celtic nations journeyed to Carlow, with the international competitors joined by domestic visitors and huge numbers of local people to participate in the various events. Carlow Tourism estimates that the entire event is worth an impressive €2 million to the local economy.
Members of the Dawnswyr Talog dance troupe from West Wales enjoy the atmosphere at Liberty Tree in Carlow
Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
“Easily over the five days, between visitors and people maybe coming for one day and local people, we saw 20,000 people involved which, when you take in bed nights and people eating a couple of times a day, that’s worth a lot to the local economy,” said Bríde.
“The amount of planning over the past year and building on our experiences from last year really paid off. Everyone was wonderful and if they saw a gap or a problem emerging, filled it before it became a major issue,” said Bríde.
“This year’s Pan Celtic welcomed more visitors from abroad than ever, with a lot of the stronger nations not only having their official competitors but also people who came along with them to enjoy the festival,” she added.
Among the highlights was the opening night, with a feast of international talent gracing the stage at the George Bernard Shaw Theatre. Almost three hours of entertainment was enjoyed, with an overflow of spectators also enjoying the concert via video link to Visual’s spacious galleries.
“The opening night just felt magical. To bring together people of that calibre − each winners in their own fields in their own nations − gave a real taste of the whole week,” said Bríde.
A Pan Celtic parade through the streets of Carlow last Friday also showcased the colours and pageantry of all the nations.
Other highlights included a performance by RTÉ’s Cór na nÓg along with local choir Aspiro and three nights of incredible performances by Carlow Little Theatre is the emotionally-powerful Marina Carr play By the bog of cats.
Pan Celtic’s official competitions in music, choral, traditional dance and other events took place at various venues in town, while trad sessions were enjoyed in many local pubs, giving a wonderful flavour of all things Celtic.
Bunting, signage and shop window displays also left everyone in no doubt that something special was happening in Carlow. The language, customs and traditions of all six Celtic nations were celebrated and promoted, with an international flavour evident on the streets of Carlow.
“The grand finale was our buskers’ competition, with so many musicians and performers out on the streets of Carlow and, of course, the Celtic Taste of Carlow was a fantastic end to a wonderful five days in Carlow,” said Bríde.
The Celtic Taste of Carlow welcomed some of Ireland best-loved chefs to the town, while local artisan food producers and craftspeople also showcased their produce.
“Carlow just shone during the festival. Local people really got into the spirit of it and the hospitality was tremendous throughout. It was wonderful to hear from people that they felt so welcome in Carlow,” she added.
