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The festival is April 25 at Sedalia Center, which I'll say from experience is a pretty drive and a fun hang. Cover charge is $10, and free for children ages 12 and younger. Free parking. The one-day fest runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., rain or shine.

The headliner, hard-rocking Celtic act Enter the Haggis will also be at Floyd's Sun Music Hall on April 24. So Haggis Heads have a regional selection of shows.

Contact info: www.sedaliacenter.org | myspace.com/sedaliacenter | (434) 299-5080

Get more festival details below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Randee Beckman
434-299-5080

High-Energy Celtic Festival at Sedalia Center April 25th
Big Island, VA

Clans and fans of Celtic culture will gather at the 11th Annual Sedalia Celtic Festival on Saturday, April 25, 2009, to celebrate music, dance, language and food of the Irish, Scottish and Welsh cultures.  The outdoor festival is open from 10 am to 8 pm and is held rain or shine. Admission is $10 per person.  No charge for children under 12 or for parking. Featherfield Farms of Bedford Virginia is the major event sponsor.

The feature artist is Enter the Haggis, one of the hardest working and most prolific bands in Celtic music today. Generating seven CDs over their ten year career, the band has made waves in the genre landing high Billboard and iTunes World Music chart positions as well as major television appearances on shows like Live With Regis And Kelly, A&E Breakfast With the Arts and PBS’ popular program Out of Ireland. It’s the kind of overall sound and devotion package that has created not only die-hard fans, but “Haggis Heads” that follow the band from gig to gig. Performances are scheduled for 1:00, 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Sound bytes are available and phone interviews with the group can be arranged.

Sedalia will also introduce their new “Hometown Pipe Band” this year: The Virginia Highland Pipes & Drums will perform traditional military-style pipe music as well as marching through the festival grounds before each performance. They will play at noon, 2:30 and 5:30.

High-Energy, Educational and A Visual Delight

Festival attendees can participate indoors in Gaelic language and arts workshops, Celtic Fusion Belly Dance lessons, and tutored Scotch Whisky tastings. Authentic Celtic foods will be served, as well as Celtic styled beers. Other attractions include the region’s only Women’s Highland Athletics competition, Sheepdog demos, dozens of vendors, tastings by local wineries, and a comfortable, relaxed family atmosphere with easy access to facilities.

Returning to the festival is the ever-popular Living Chess game for children and adults alike. Costumed as human chess pieces, the participants will interact in a mind-challenging chess competition with moves directed by their peers. Children can also learn archery and clay crafts. “Sir Black Wolf,” of the Medieval Fantasies Company, provides dozens of games and contests for children, as well as an authentic historical encampment to explore.

The Sedalia Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the cultural arts in Central Virginia. The center proudly promotes the visual and performing arts by offering programs, cultural festivals and gallery exhibitions.  Located just off Route 122, about 11 miles north of Bedford and surrounded by majestic views, the center welcomes you.