Archive - Thursday, 10 February 2005


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Making music with the Celtic invaders

TRADITIONAL musicians from across Europe are converging on Shipston for the annual Celts in the Cotswolds festival.

Tomorrow night, music lovers will have the chance to get a taste of what will be on offer at the event with a preliminary concert by the Silver Bough Band at St Edmund's Church.

The festival starts on Friday, February 18, and will feature traditional musicians from across the Celtic world.

The event has been running since 1996 when Keith and Sue Finlay were asked to find a venue for a reunion of Scottish and Breton musicians. Now in its ninth year, the festival has grown into a two-day event attracting some of the best talent in the Celtic world.

Mrs Finlay said that despite the growth of the event, it still remained true to its original purpose. "It has always retained the air of being a gathering of friends," she explained.

Opening the festival weekend will be local duo Marion Morgan and Allan Maslen playing modern folk tunes with a traditional twist.

They will be followed by Hogiau'r Gororau (Lads of the Marches) with their own lively blend of Welsh music.

The evening will be rounded off by The Little Biggar Band, a three-piece group, joined by a few friends, for a traditional Scottish ceilidh.

Throughout the day on Saturday there will be a range of music and dance workshops and a storytelling session.

The evening kicks off with another chance to hear the Silver Bough Band, followed by five-piece band Celtish. The evening will end with Gwelloch - the Beaumin brothers from Brittany - making a welcome return with their own brand of Breton music

Doors at the Norgren Hall open at 7pm on both nights with the concerts beginning at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 per night or £20 for the weekend paid in advance - or £14 and £25 on the door. All workshops are £5 for adults and free for children.

For more information call Keith & Sue Finlay on 01608 661157 or e.mail celticspirit@suefinlay.freeserve.co.uk.