The 12th Annual Potomac Celtic Festival returns to Morven Park International Equestrian Center in Leesburg, June 11, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and June 12, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Each year this internationally known event, hosted by the Barnaby Council for Celtic Studies, brings performers from all corners of the globe to Leesburg to celebrate the culture and heritage of the seven Celtic Nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Brittany, Galicia and Cornwall. This year the festival highlights the nation of Wales.
The festival features eight stages of local and worldwide musicians, dancers and performers, marching pipe bands, living history, cultural workshops, juried Celtic crafters, artisans and vendors as well as clans and societies, children's activities, athletics and ethnic foods during the day and a concert at NiteFest! Saturday night in the Pub Tent.
Musical performances include Scotland's Battlefield Band, Dublin's Grada, Wales' Ffynnon, award-winning fiddler Jeremy Kittel, Washington, D.C.'s own Iona and Tinsmith, Beth Patterson, Moch Pryderi, Trasna, Maggie Sansone, Eileen Niehouse, Mac Talla and more. NiteFest! will feature the explosive rhythms of Gaelic Storm.
For the 2005 Potomac Celtic Festival an introspective assortment of workshops of various subjects from Celtic topiaries to dance heritage to Irish Civil War influence have been added. As well as men's and women's rugby matches organized by Frederick Rugby of Frederick, Md., on both days of the festival.
Discounted tickets are available for military personnel, students and seniors: military adult, $12; military child, 6-12, $5; military family, two adults and up to four children, $35; student, 13 and older with school or university ID, $10; senior citizen, 55 and over, $10. Otherwise, at the gate, adult, $18; child, 6-12, $9; family, two adults and up to four children, $50. Two-day Tickets are adult, $30, child, $14. Children under 6 admitted free.
Advance Tickets, pick-up at main gate on day of festival, are discounted until June 3, adult, $12; child, $6; family, $36; adult two-day advance, $24; child two-day advance, $12; family two-day advance, $70.
The Saturday Night Concert, NiteFest! is from 7:30-11 p.m.
at the Pub Tent. Tickets are $10 and are available at the festival.
Sponsors of the Potomac Celtic Festival include the Loudoun County Visitors Association, The Connection Newspapers, Leesburg Premium Outlets and the Barnaby Council for Celtic Studies. Sponsorship openings still exist.
Information on tickets, volunteerism, sponsorship and a complete list of the entertainment can be found at www.pcfest.org.