Kicking off Celtic Colours, a celebration of music and fall

The aptly-named Celtic Colours International Festival kicked off Friday in Port Hawkesbury.

People from around the world travel to Cape Breton to take part in the ten days of music, culture, and, of course, fall colours.

The festivities begin with Cape Breton’s own Barra MacNeils performing at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, joined by some friends from Denmark, Norway, Ireland and Shetland.

“There are a lot of similarities between here and where I come from,” says musician Kevin Henderson. “Except Shetland has no trees. It is a similar type of atmosphere and everybody is friendly like Shetland too.”

Anders Hall of Sweden has never been to this part of the world and he looks forward to meeting local artists and comparing musical styles.

“I’ve heard it is supposed to be a great week,” says Hall. “Lots of good concerts, also, a lot of jamming for us musicians.”

It is the 17^th year for the festival, which strikes a chord worldwide. Artists and audiences are split between Cape Bretoners and visitors, making for what organizers call a great exchange of musical and cultural passions.

“I think a lot of people come from away to see the local musicians and locals look forward to seeing the artists from away,” says organizer Dave Mahalik. “Everybody enjoys the weather, the scenery and the chance to drive around this beautiful island and take in the music.”

Not only is the festival about the music, it is also about the vibrant fall colours, and businesses across the island benefit from the event; many hotels are booked solid.

“It really helps extend our season,” says Denise MacLeod, who manages a lodge in Baddeck. “We get many artists, there’s some media that stay here, and people from all over the world coming in to see Celtic Colours shows.”

There are more than 200 cultural events planned for the festival, apart from the music.

“You couldn’t possibly take it all in, it would take years and years of coming back to take it all in,” says Mahalik.

Celtic Colours wraps up October 20^th.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald

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  People from around the world travel to Cape Breton to take part in Celtic Colours - ten days of music, culture, and, of course, fall colours. (CTV Atlantic)