Celtic Extras

• 2008 Celtic Classic Invitational Pipe Band and Drum Major Competitions

• The Celtic Classic would not be the same without the pipers and drummers warming up all around the Festival grounds; learn just what they are doing and who they are on this page devoted to the invited pipe bands, drum majors and the people who judge them. Along with their biographies you will find informative articles to help you in your understanding of the competitions. MORE

• U.S. National Highland Championships

  This is Celtic Classic’s third year of hosting the official U.S. National Highland Athletic Championships and being witness to many World Records being set! Come and watch as this year’s competitors perform feats of strength, speed, agility and skill which were once commonplace during the various fairs, clan gatherings, and tainchels, or great hunts, of medieval Scotland. The games feature events that have changed little since medieval times; lifting of heavy stone, throwing the hammer, and tossing of the caber. Lucky for us, the game of ‘twisting the four legs off a cow for which a fat sheep is offered as a prize’, no longer occurs in the more civilized programs of modern games. MORE

• Haggis Eating Contest

  The Haggis Eating contest starts off the activities on the Highland Fields with the Traditional Piping of the Haggis, on Friday afternoon at 5PM. Don’t miss it! Sign up now for the Annual Celtic Classic Haggis Eating Competition

• 2007 Celtic Classic Photo Gallery

  The 2007 Celtic Classic Photo Gallery is now posted. (Requires Flash 8 player) Photo Gallery

• Living History Programs

  Part of what makes Celtic Classic unique are the Living History programs it offers in the Ring of Celtic Heritage, which are part of our mission to help inform and educate the Festival goers of our and their Celtic heritage. Please visit this page to find out what programs are going to be offered this year.

• Highland Dance Competition

  Happening all day Saturday in the Foy Hall, this competition challenges the best dancers to compete within their own skill level for monetary prizes and bragging rights. If you are interested in competing click here to fillout our form. (PDF)

• Fiddle Competition

  Happening all day Sunday in the Icehouse, this competition challenges the best fiddlers to compete within their own skill level for monetary prizes and bragging rights. Click here for more information, rules, and registration form.

• Irish Singing Contest

  This contest is held to provide Irish singers a rare opportunity to compete, exchange songs, hear other singers and continue the tradition of unaccompanied Irish singing. It is an opportunity for singers of sean-nos to compete and allow others to experience the haunting beauty of that style. Traditional Irish singing is called sean-nos. It loosely means “old style”. It is a deeply personal way of singing in which the singer of the song looses all importance to the meaning and feel of the song. There are no dramatics associated with traditional singing, no gesturing or dynamics. Instead, the singer sits or stands very still so as not to distract from the song. Changes in rhythm, tone and ornamentation are some of the tools used instead to convey the theme of the song. The contest is not limited to sean-nos, though. All singers of Irish songs in either the Irish or English language are encouraged to compete. The Irish Singing contest happens Sunday on the Heritage Stage, those interested in competing can e-mail info@celticculturalalliance.org, or sign-up before the contest on Sunday. Irish Singing Competition_ Rules and Application

• Seisiuns

  Bring your instruments along and jam with the performers of the Celtic Classic. Seisiuns bring together local musicians and some of the festival entertainers. Check the schedule for times and location.

• Tickets

  Get your tickets early for the 2008 Celtic Classic. Click here

• Plant and Shrub Sale!

  Stop by the Festival site on Monday, October 1st for great deals on the plants and shrubs used by Tilley’s Nursery to landscape the Festival grounds.

2008 Celtic Classic

September 26-28, 2008
Bethlehem, PA

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Volunteer

Volunteers are needed before, during and after Celtic Classic. Become a part of the action by signing up as a volunteer!

If you volunteered for the 2007 Celtic Classic, we already have your basic information.  Click here to update your volunteer record.

If this is your first time to volunteer for the Celtic Classic Register now.

Become a Member of CCA!

Gain access to the many educational, cultural and social programs that Celtic Cultural Alliance sponsors by joining us as a member. All members receive a 10% discount on souvenirs during the Celtic Classic, so now is the time to join!