Barbados Celtic Festival 2023: Bringing Together Musicians and Cultures from Around the World

The Barbados Celtic Festival is back and promises to be better than ever, with over 150 participants from the UK, Finland, Sweden, Canada, and the United States. From May 17th to 21st, this unique festival aims to provide an invaluable cultural exchange, bringing together musicians from around the world and locals to take part in events across the island.

This year’s festival features an exciting programme of events, including interactive and fun workshops in schools, a variety of concerts, whisky tastings, piping and drumming workshops and recitals, hiking and exploring Barbados, and a festival ceilidh dance evening with a Caribbean twist that will keep you dancing all night long.

One of the festival’s highlights is the impressive lineup of musicians, including five-time world champion piper Roddy MacLeod MBE, Scottish contemporary folk band Gnoss, husband and wife duo and ECMA winners Alexis MacIssac and Callum MacKenzie from Canada, and many more. But the festival is not just about music; it’s also an opportunity to learn about the shared cultural heritage between the Celtic countries and Barbados.

As festival director Jeana Leslie explains, “Scots and Irish were purged from their native lands and came to Barbados as indentured servants in the sugar industry. The result of this is that there are many descendants here in Barbados all these years later, and Scottish, Irish and Welsh forenames and surnames are heard on a regular basis. Many of these names can be found on the impressive brick wall at Golden Square Freedom Park.” This shared heritage is celebrated throughout the festival, with events like the Welsh Male Voice Choir concert on May 19th.

Led by their choir director Dr Michael (Mike) Thomas MBE, the Welsh Male Voice Choir will perform a special Odyssey concert at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral on Friday, May 19th at 7 pm along with two local choirs, St Peter’s choir and Barclay’s choir. The festival also offers a rare opportunity for any singer or choralist wishing to learn from Dr Thomas to participate in a singing workshop on Saturday morning, May 20th, at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 10.30 am.

Other festival highlights include the annual street parade through Bridgetown on Saturday, May 20th, starting at 3 pm sharp featuring the “massed band” of pipers and drummers along with the Barbados Defence Force and the Band of the Barbados Police Service. Don’t miss this colourful and exciting experience starting at Queen’s Park, stopping at Heroes Square for a performance before continuing to Golden Square Freedom Park. The Saturday events will culminate at Blakey’s on the Boardwalk down at Hastings for a fun, family-friendly event with local musicians, such as St. Gabriel’s Choir, St. Winnifred’s Dancers, Suzuki Music Barbados, the string section of the Barbados National Youth Orchestra, Farther Away, the BDF, and The Band of the Barbados Police Service. DJ Denis will be the MC, spinning tunes. It is FREE from 4.30 pm till LATE, and there will also be a sizzling BBQ and beer tents to enjoy.

If you’re an early riser, on Sunday morning, May 21st, the festival is partnering with the Barbados Hiking Association for an adventure through parts of the east coast. Starting at 6 am from Bathsheba Community Centre in St. Joseph, the hike promises breathtaking views that will make it all worthwhile. Afterwards, you will be treated to theThe Barbados Celtic Festival is not just about music and hiking; it’s a unique cultural experience that brings together people from around the world. As festival director Jeana Leslie puts it, “We attempt to fuse our cultures – sharing music and experiences with one another and, most importantly, to have a fun-filled experience.” So, whether you’re a music lover, a whisky drinker, a hiker, or just looking for a fun-filled family event, the Barbados Celtic Festival promises something for everyone.

To get a complete list of the festival programme and where to get tickets to events, please visit the Barbados Celtic Festival Facebook and Instagram page @barbadoscelitcfestival.  (PR) ]]>