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.
Afternoon Workshops
This year, we are running two one-off afternoon workshops for students as well as members of the public.
Set Dancing - learn how to set dance. Set Dance is a form of social dancing which has been popular in Ireland for over 150 years. Sets are danced by four couples in a square, and usually consist of three to six Figures with a short pause between each. They are derived from French Quadrilles which were brought to Ireland in the nineteenth century. This workshop will be taught by Helen Stonehouse.
Date: Saturday the 4th & Sunday the 5th of June
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Venue: Saturday: Trafalgar Hall, 67 Trafalgar Street, Nelson Sunday: Old St John's Hall, 320 Hardy Street Nelson
Tickets: $50 - For both days
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.
Singing Session
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 Prince Albert is kind enough to allow us to have the singing session, please support the cafe through purchasing beverages or food.
Date: Saturday the 4th & Sunday the 5th of June
Time: 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Venue: Prince Albert Pub (side room)
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.
