Celtic Colours gets new board of directors after previous members fired

It's out with the old and in with the new when it comes to the dispute surrounding the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton.

On Dec. 7, members of the society that runs the Celtic Colours International Festival - an October tradition on Cape Breton Island since 1997 - fired its entire board of directors.

The board responded by legally questioning the legitimacy of the meeting of Festival Society members where the decision was made.

“There was a debate about that, but we put together a pretty strong package of evidence in the form of affidavits that supported our position,” said Ray Wagner, a Halifax lawyer whose team represents the festival's new transition board.

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The old board members were scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to deal with the controversy, however before a motion could be heard, the proceedings were cancelled.

“As of today, what I would refer to as 'the old board' are in the process of resigning,” said Wagner.

"A number of those resignations are in."

The CEO of Destination Cape Breton feels the old board did a good job improving Celtic Colours' financial position but is optimistic about what's next for an event that is crucial to fall tourism.

“Well, I think it's great for the festival to get this current situation behind them,” said Terry Smith. "We're really enthused about where the festival is likely headed. We think it's in capable hands."

Meanwhile, Wagner said one of the immediate next steps is to start work to replenish staff and volunteer numbers at Celtic Colours headquarters in downtown Sydney.

The majority of staff had quit their positions in recent months.

CTV Atlantic tried contacting the outgoing chair of the former board, Marcel McKeough, but did not receive a response by publish time.

Wagner says now, the focus is on preparing for Celtic Colours 2025 in October.

“That the festival will go ahead, reinvigorated with new ideas, new approaches and organization,” Wagner said.

Wagner added the new transition board will run festival operations until at least the annual general meeting in April.

The next Celtic Colours is scheduled to take place Oct. 10 to 18, 2025.

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