The Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band embarked on an extraordinary musical journey last month as they took part in the Inter-Celtic Festival held in Lorient, France.
This remarkable ten-day festival, now in its 52nd year, serves as a vibrant gathering and celebration of Celtic nations across Europe. The festival brings together the rich Celtic cultures and heritage of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Galicia, Asturias, Brittany, United States, Acadia in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The Inter-Celtic Festival of Lorient stands as the largest festival in Brittany and France, drawing an impressive average of 750,000 visitors and spectators annually.
For ten days at the beginning of August, the festival unites the Celtic nations in Lorient, offering a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, and diverse artistic expressions. In 2023, the festival celebrated Ireland from August 4th to the 13th.
Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band was fortunate to enjoy splendid weather during their stay in Lorient.
The Grand Parade of the Celtic Nations took place on August 6th. This parade, featuring 140 bands and dance groups representing all Celtic nations, captivated an audience of two million television viewers. Another televised event was the Horizons Celtiques show, broadcast on French TV and watched by one million viewers.
Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band’s participation in the Festival Interceltique de Lorient was a resounding success.
Irish Queenslander 