The Lorient Interceltique Festival, the world’s largest gathering of Celtic music, has reportedly been cancelled for 2020. The cancellation is expected to be confirmed tomorrow at an organisers’ meeting in the Brittany town.
As recently as mid-April (16th), organisers said they were hopeful of running this year’s festival – its 50th year – but shortly afterwards a planned announcement advising of the bill was abandoned.
The Bagadoù Championships, which take place during the festival, had already been cancelled due to French government advice on crowds and gatherings. Lisardo Lombardia, general manager of the festival, said: “Interceltic cannot be done in half a measure. Especially not during this 2020 edition, which was to show future ambitions.”
The 10-day Lorient festival is an economic driving force in the Lorient region of Brittany, generating an estimated €24 million.
Meanwhile, the Argyllshire Gathering, the Skye Gathering and the Braemar Gathering remain the only major piping events for 2020 that haven’t yet cancelled although they are widely expected to.
The Scottish Government released further guidance on April 21 pertaining to all public gatherings of more than two people.
Further to our report on Monday about The National Piping Centre’s success at the 2020 Scottish Hotel Awards, the team in fact also scooped two further regional awards at the prestiguous event.
Natalie Davidson was voted Best Restaurant Manager for Glasgow and Clyde and the Pipers’ Tryst Hotel hotel won the Best Bar Food category.
Natalie, who has been with the team since 2013, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this award. It means a lot to be recognised by the industry. The staff here all work hard to deliver a great dining experience and I am proud to be part of such a great team.”
Read Head Chef, Eddie Shaw’s current market menu.
Read Piping Times editor, Stuart Letford’s restaurant review.
A competition to inspire people to connect with Scotland’s nature through music is seeking new compositions from young musicians.
The In Tune With Nature contest is calling on musicians of all genres to show their love of nature by writing music inspired by the coasts and waters of Scotland’s nature reserves. VisitScotland designated 2020 as the Year of Coasts and Waters.
The competition is being organised by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Fèis Rois. The judges are Julie Fowlis, Karine Polwart Vic Galloway and Gill Maxwell.
Winners will receive a £500 cash prize as well as the opportunity to take part in live performances throughout the year. A professional film-maker will also help the winner make a film on the nature reserve which inspired their music.
Ian Sargeant of SNH said: “Music and nature have so much in common – they’re both moving and give us so much pleasure. We can’t wait to hear what people come up with to make us see these special places in a new light.”
The deadline for entries in May 31. The winners announced on June 26.
For more information click HERE.
