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Celtic festival shows off Scottish culture
02/08/2007
Scotland's rich culture and identity is set to be celebrated at one of the most important and prestigious Celtic festivals in the world.
The 37th Festival Interceltique in Lorient, Brittany, which gets underway this weekend, has deemed 2007 the Year of Scotland.
Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani, who will represent Scotland as the host nation, said:
"It is a great honour for our nation to be the focal point of this year's Interceltique Festival at a time when Scotland's cultural scene is thriving.
"Our own world class festivals already attract the most talented international artists to work in Scotland and bring with them hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This Festival will give us the opportunity to further promote Scotland's rich culture; strengthen and deepen our Celtic bonds; and promote Scotland as a great place to visit, live and work.
"Music plays a key part in linking Celtic nations and promoting Celtic culture. The Festival Interceltique is the largest Celtic celebration in Europe, attracting over 700,000 visitors and 4,500 artists from around the world.
"Scotland already has strong links with Brittany - we are proud of our ancient and common Celtic heritage and relationship, which continues to flourish and provide entertainment and enjoyment to many.
"This year's programme reflects Scotland's rich cultural identity. The focal point being the Scottish Pavilion, which will offer festival-goers the chance to experience the best of Scottish culture through music, dance, food and drink and to discover Scotland as a great tourist destination."
As well as opening an exhibition of works by some of Scotland's best known photographers, the Minister will make a speech at the Mayor's reception and will also join pipers for La Grande Parade.
The Scottish government has supported The Year of Scotland with £286,000 to showcase Scottish culture to a Breton, French and international audience through various Scottish acts, exhibitions and cuisine. VisitScotland has also contributed to the Festival and has worked with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society to choreograph a new Scottish country dance which will be performed for the first time at Lorient 2007.
Liz Young, VisitScotland's Marketing Manager for France said:
"Scotland is known around the world as a nation of music and dance lovers.
"40 per cent of visitors to the UK visit take in an event or festival during their stay so showcasing Scotland at Europe's largest Celtic Festival in Lorient is a great opportunity to demonstrate that there is always more to do and see during a visit.
"The new dance which VisitScotland has created with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society will help put a modern twist on an auld alliance and show over 700,000 potential visitors that Scotland is a must visit, must return festival destination."
The Interceltique Festival runs from August 3 to 12 in Lorient, France and showcases all forms of music and culture of Celtic origin.