We're busy finalizing all the 2008 acts, activities and times! Check back soon for more details.

Featured evening event...

Greenwich Meantime has become a hot commodity on the North American Celtic and World Music scene. Now in their sophomore year, the band has just released the follow up to their critically acclaimed debut CD.

This year the band has been playing many of the Northeast's Celtic festivals and theatres, and doing numerous concert series appearances.


Hang on to yer kilt again this year laddie! The Windy Kilts are back to deliver another high-energy performance of both newer and traditional Irish and Scotish music. Don't miss this CelticFest favourite, and be prepared to do a jig!

 

Corkery Road is another CelticFest favourite! This five-member band features an exciting range of instruments: fiddle, acoustic guitar, mandolin, accordion, Irish whistle, concertina, bodhran, and voice.

They play traditional Irish music as well as pieces from other faraway lands such as Scotland, England, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia/Cape Breton, Saskatchewan, and that most exotic of lands....the Ottawa valley!

The Sons of Scotland return again this year. Formed in 1896 by D.L. McLean, it is Canada's oldest civilian pipe band. The band played in Ottawa for the first time in 1896 in celebration of the death of Robert Burns. It was in fact the first pipe band to be heard in the nation's capital.

Don't miss this captivating performance!

All kinds of fun for the kids from 12 pm until 5 pm with the added supervision of our professional security staff.

  • Celtic crafts, games, prizes and face painting
  • KLUMSEE CLOWN and DIGGER the clown
  • Free jumpy rides from RUNAMOK
  • Fingerprinting by CHILD FIND ONTARIO

 

Brandy 'n' Port have played extensively in Eastern Ontario for many years, and are also regular performers at many festivals and events on both sides of the Canada and U.S. border. They have a number of recordings to their credit, and their high energy Celtic mix will be enjoyed by all again this year.
For many years, One Square Mile has been bringing their high octane brand of bluegrass to the National Capital Region, and they were a big hit at last year's CelticFest. Instruments include fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo, dobro and more. Their debut album last year received two Juno award nominations.
Russell and area residents have been enjoying the unique country music stylings (with a Celtic flavour of course) of Bill Connelly for many years. Join Bill and other local Russell musicians as they pick and strum away throughout the day.
As well as being the official CelticFest MC again this year, Mike Shaw plays a variety of traditional and modern Irish tunes, and a few 'Stompin' Tom' favourites as well. He's also been known to pop-in a few classic rock tunes.
The Shilo Riding Club brings the love of competing and horses for all ages to Russell CelticFest 2008. The kids will especially enjoy this superb equitation event.

You asked for it... more dancing! By popular demand, this year's CelticFest features even more authentic Irish step dancing with the Red Hot Chili Steppers, P.C. Kake and Couperus Academy of Irish Dance!

Support our Troops! Join local dignitaries, Legion officials and a Pipe Band for a tribute to our troops, featuring a special tribute song performed by Russell's own Downey Sisters.