Nathaniel Douglas and Val Lynch demonstrate their sword-fighting skills during this year’s Celtic Festival at the Roundhouse in Evanston on March 23.

(HERALD PHOTO/Amanda Manchester)

A large crowd awaits the headlining band at the Roundhouse during this year’s Celtic Festival.

(HERALD PHOTO/Kayne Pyatt)

Rylee Shafton-Segura and Vivienne Lash try out the musical instruments at the Music Petting Zoo table in the Roundhouse during the annual Ceili at the Roundhouse Celtic Festival, held March 22-23.

(HERALD PHOTO/Kayne Pyatt)

Robyn Rawlins from Utah portrays Queen Mary of England and Spain in the upstairs loft in the Roundhouse, where the children’s games are held. She is with the Utah Renaissance Faire which is held in August.

(HERALD PHOTO/Kayne Pyatt)

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EVANSTON — “It was a very successful festival, enjoyed by all,” Celtic Festival director Shasta Hopkin said. “We (Arts Inc.) are very thankful to the long list of festival sponsors and partners who helped make the production of this event possible.”

The annual Ceili at the Roundhouse Celtic Festival is presented annually by Arts Inc., the nonprofit, cultural arts presenting organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of individuals, families and communities through the arts. Serving on the Board of Directors of Arts Inc. are Diane Sellers, Jerri Liechty, Whitney Weekly, Andrew Passey and Pam Morgan.

Hopkin has been with Arts Inc. for more than 25 years, serving in a variety of positions. She has worked at every one of the 16 Celtic Festivals. Eric Passenelli has been with Arts Inc. for 20 years and worked 15 of those years with the Celtic Festival. Additional staff at the festival this year included Carolee Bowen and Sara Maisey.

The festival was held on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, at the Evanston Roundhouse & Railyards Complex. According to Hopkin, the festival had an attendance of 2,200 people with an estimate of 60-70% coming from out of town.

Guests at the festival were treated to a selection of workshops ranging from Irish guitar; storytelling; traditional instruments; medieval fighting demos; Scottish Gaelic songs; bagpipes; whistles; music of world cultures; Ceili dancing for everyone; fiddles; handcrafted vinegars and wines; weaving and fibers; and more. 

Activities for children were provided by First Bank of Wyoming, Utah Renaissance Faire, and MAT Camp. Children could participate in Celtic arts and craft making, Renaissance games, music and a bounce house, along with Medieval tournaments with sponge swords, activities and quests.

The Celtic Festival vendor marketplace had 25 to 30 vendors providing an eclectic mix of food offerings, merchandise and services. Six regional bands, along with the headliners, performed on stage in the Machine Shop during the day for the enjoyment of large crowds.

The headline artists performing in the Roundhouse on Friday night was Skerryvore, from Scotland.

Saturday night was a Trad/Gala double headline concert featuring the Aoife Scott Band from Ireland and the Seamus Eagan Project from Ireland and America.

After the concerts on both Friday and Saturday nights, an after-hours session for anyone wanting to bring their instruments and join along was held at the Best Western Dunmar Inn from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Both evenings, during the headline bands performances, the large crowds attending were clapping, dancing and singing along. The Celtic Festival of 2024 appeared to be enjoyable to the many who attended.

“More than 130 volunteers put in over 700 hours to help us make this year’s festival a success,” Hopkin said. “Save the date for next year’s Celtic Festival – March 21-22, 2025.”