Cape Breton’s annual island-wide concert series opens Friday.
Like many things in 2020, the Celtic Colours International Festival won’t be like any other year.
Mike MacSween, the event’s executive director, says COVID-19 forced them to move the festival online.
MacSween tells The Hawk they couldn’t do it in person, but that won’t stop them from putting on a great show.
“It’s going to be a crackin’ time online- we wish folks could be there in person, but the great thing is everyone has equal access (and) equal opportunity to tune in through the website,” he says. “We certainly hope that folks will take the opportunity to tune in and be part of the festival at home- safely at home this year- as opposed to being out at a show in person.”
MacSween says they’ve tried to preserve the spirt of a festival.
He says that includes keeping it international.
“(We tried) to ensure that we have representation from folks from around the world, which is a part of the Celtic Colours tradition for many years.”
MacSween says they’re doing that with pre-recorded shows by performers from outside the Atlantic travel bubble, while local artists will perform on a live stage at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.
He says all the concerts will remain online until the end of October, but they’ll be taken down after that, so you should watch them while you can.
