Shortly after Glasgow's folk roots fest Celtic Connections wraps up, Edinburgh embarks on its own traditional arts showcase. The event doesn't have the same amount of funding, but it still features a stocked programme of concerts, storytelling, ceilidh dancing (naturally), poetry, and interactive events. These range from bagpipe lessons with one of Scotland's favourite pipers,
Louise Marshall Millington, to a music workshop focused for people with
learning disabilities and the Big Dance Base Ceilidh, which offers the
chance to learn some less well known dances.
More than 30 organisations, both professional and voluntary, have come together to put on this year's festival. Listed above are just some of the participating venues.
Ceilidh Culture 2009 Highlights
One of the highlights of this year's musical programme is the Irish pairing of Sharon Shannon and Shane MacGowan who perform at Edinburgh's HMV Picture House and Nashville favourite Kim Richey.
Following sell out performances in 2008 David Ferrard, Kim Edgar and Yvonne Lyon collaborate to present a fusion of music from their latest albums and The Cast return after an exciting year which saw their cover of Auld Lang Syne included on the Sex in the City soundtrack.
View the full Ceilidh Culture Programme
Castle Street Fair
A new ‘Ceilidh Culture Street Fair' on Castle Street runs from 27th - 29th March, with stalls offering Scottish food, drinks, crafts, books, live music and city tours
Ceilidh Culture Box office and ticket information
www.ceilidhculture.co.uk or call the box office on 0131 228 1155
The printed Ceilidh Culture programme is also now available across the city.