Star Studded Programme for Ceilidh Culture 2008

Edinburgh’s traditional arts festival goes into its sixth year with a showcase of music, dance and storytelling that’s bigger than ever. 

Sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig the programme highlights include BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner Julie Fowlis, Brooklyn born and raised songstress Kris Delmhorst and the vastly influential Billy Joe Shaver whose songs have been recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson.

Fife singer songwriter Jackie Leven makes an appearance after his recent collaboration with writer Ian Rankin on his album ‘Jackie Leven Said’ and The Cast are joined by fellow Burnsong winner David Ferrard for an evening of voice, fiddle, viola and guitar.

Edinburgh based Kim Edgar, who has been compared to Joni Mitchell and Suzanne Vega, promotes her debut album and Karine Polwart performs on the back of two very recent new albums, both recorded while she was expecting her new baby.

Ceilidh Culture is also an interactive festival with many opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to dance and make music. From bagpipe lessons and a family ceilidh, to a music workshop focused for people with learning disabilities and the ‘Fun Fiddle Stramash’, where fiddlers of all levels can just turn up and play.

City of Edinburgh Council Festival & Events Champion Steve Cardownie said:

“We are in for a fantastic festival of music, storytelling and dance and with almost 80 gigs and events taking place in 31 venues right across the city, Ceilidh Culture is a great way to kick off Edinburgh’s 2008 Festival season.                                                                                   

“Ceilidh Culture has trebled in size over the past six years and this year’s unique and eclectic programme can help us take the festival to the next level with the pulling power to attract thousands of tourists from all over the world.”

Festival Director Karl Chapman said:

“The growth of Ceilidh Culture has made Edinburgh a true hotbed for the traditional arts. This year’s programme brings together an array of talent from all over the world and promises to be bigger and better than ever before. With multi-award winning musicians, storytelling sessions, dancing events and music tutorials, there will be something for everyone.” 

Attendance figures for the festival swelled from 5,000 in 2003 to 15,000 in 2007. A study carried out on behalf of the Council found that Ceilidh Culture generated £290,000 for Edinburgh and £308,000 for the Lothians in 2005.

More than 30 organisations, both professional and voluntary, have come together to put on this year’s festival to create a showcase of the best of home-grown Scottish talent as well as leading acts from across the world.

The Ceilidh Culture programme is available across the city from Thursday 27 February.

For full listings and ticket information go to www.ceilidhculture.co.uk or call the box office on 0131 228 1155.

General Media Contact

Gareth Jones

Media & Communications Officer

City of Edinburgh Council / Ceilidh Culture 2008

Tel: 0131 529 4489

gareth.jones@edinburgh.gov.uk   

For artist information & programme contact:

Steve Perry

Press & Marketing

Usher Hall / Ceilidh Culture 2008

Tel: 0131 221 3381

steve_marketing@usherhall.co.uk

Notes

1. Ceilidh Culture runs from the 22 March to 13 April 2008.

2. The festival has had support from both local and national organisations once again this year. Sponsorship includes funding from The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, The City of Edinburgh Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, support from First ScotRail, Menzies Belford hotel and The Living Tradition magazine, with The Scotsman as our official media partner, Black Bottle as the festival’s official blended whisky and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital providing both support and inspiration.

3. Ceilidh Culture is co-ordinated by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Leisure Unit, with support from Edinburgh Inspiring Capital.  The festival is a profile-raising event for the traditional arts community under the banner Ceilidh Culture and gives all involved an opportunity to publicise their events. It is also used as a way of making the traditional arts more accessible to a wider audience, many of whom who may not normally have the opportunity to get involved.