For lovers of Irish music, but not registered for the weekend's tuition, there is still lots to join in with. The showcase concert featuring each of the tutors is a highlight of the festival. The ceili dance on the Saturday night is fun for all ages.
Showcase Concert
Family Fun Ceili Dance
New Zealand’s only traditional Irish music festival presents a showcase concert featuring all the guest tutors for the festival.
Last years concert nearly sold out so be in quick to avoid disappointment.
A Ceili (traditional Irish dance) from the Irish (and Scots) Gaelic word for a gathering or a dance. If you want to come along and join in dances to some fantastic live Irish music, please join us. No previous dance experience necessary - we will teach dances. This is dancing at its best - fun, community activity and great exercise too. Come on your own (no partner necessary) or bring your friends and family. All welcome.
Sessions
Sessions are a place for students and tutors to participate and are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings until late at various venues around central Nelson. There will be some singing sessions and easier graded sessions for intermediate students.
Sessions are open to the public and are free.
Friday
The Wakatu Hotel, from 5.00pm
The Freehouse, from 8.30pm
The Workshop, from 8.30pm
Saturday
Yaza Cafe, from 3.30pm (Singing session)
The Wakatu Hotel, from 8.30pm
The Freehouse, from 8.30pm
The Workshop, from 8.30pm
Sunday
The Wakatu Hotel, from 9.30pm
The Freehouse, from 9.30pm
The Workshop, from 9.30pm
Singing Sessions
Ireland has a strong tradition of singing. As part of Ceol Aneas, we want to give people the opportunity to share songs of Ireland. You can expect to hear traditional as well as contemporary song in both Irish and English. If you enjoy singing, prepare a song or two that you can share at the singing session. As this is a Ceol Aneas event, we are requesting songs in the Irish tradition, please. Listeners are welcome. There is no charge, but as the Wakatu Hotel is kind enough to allow us to have the singing session, please support the cafe through purchasing beverages or food. Evey McAuliffe will be leading the session, so if further information is required, contact her at [email protected]
Where is everything happening?
Check out the venue map
Students have 1 concert & 1 ceili ticket included as part of their registration
* Registered students will have a Ceili ticket and Concert ticket included with their registration pack to be picked up on Saturday morning between 9 and 10am at The Nelson Centre for Musical Arts (48 Nile St, corner of Nile and Collingwood Streets). If you require more concert tickets please indicate on your registration form or Email us and we will include your extra tickets in your registration pack - but these must be paid for on collection of your registration pack on Saturday morning.
