Féile na Gealaí was founded in 2016 and the main objective of the organisers was to provide an all-Irish language camping festival for speakers of the Irish language to promote music, culture and all of the Irish language arts in a new and innovative way.
In addition to that it was also their objective to create a link with groups, people and artists who speak Scottish Gaelic fluently and who are willing to partake in the festival events. Some of the Scottish artists who have taken part in the festival to date are Niteworks, Griogair Labhruidh, Sian, Trail West and Whyte, to mention but a few. The Irish audience show a huge interest in the blending of electronic and sean-nós singing by Niteworks for example. There is no all-Gaelic festival in Scotland at present and Scottish Gaelic speakers greatly enjoy Féile na Gealaí.
The festival runs over a three day period in July. There is a camping area specifically set aside for families with young children and a wide variety of activities are provided for that age group. Féile na Gealaí is the only all-Irish language camping festival in Ireland at present.
With regards to the festival content, it is mainly geared towards contemporary Irish and Scottish music. Also included in the festival programme are poetry, yoga, dance, Irish and Scottish Gaelic language workshops and Irish-language and Scottish Gaelic singing workshops.
Award-Winning
The festival is growing in popularity each year since its foundation and the festival has won the Festival of the Year award in 2017 and 2018. This accolade is awarded by the culture magazine Nós based on a public vote.
This festival is an exemplar of the good work ongoing to nurture a partnership with Scottish Gaelic speakers and to provide a stage for contemporary music in Scottish and Irish Gaelic.
See links
Dàna – Gàidheil Albannach aig Féile na Gealaí | Màrtainn Mac a’ Bhàillidh
