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Keltfest, Biesbosch, The Netherlands
31st of May and  1st of June 2008
Rapalje, Omnia, Orfeo and many more

The entire week it was nothing but rain but on the first morning of Keltfest the sun was shining. A few drops fell but that was all. Last year the festival was still called Scotlandfest but this first year with a new name was definitely a success. Two days of folk music, live re-enactment, dance, food Highland Games, and laughter.  There was a lot of activity on the festival terrain. On of the first things you saw when entering: the highland games. Strong men, women and even children challenging each other in activities such as throwing logs and swinging heavy weights across the grass. A few members from the audience were even invited to give it a shot. They were allowed to throw the women's weight (25kg). The men's weight (50kg) would have definitely been to much for a newbie.

When walking around you met all kinds of strange visitors. A herd of sheep for instance with a sheepdog and herder. Johannes doing his tricks with his more than huge spoons and juggling balls. He always knows how to amaze and amuse. For musical entertainment there were two bagpipe players walking around in full Scottish attire. The festival terrain was surrounded by a lot of shops. Anything from Wales, England, Schotland to eat, drink and put on. Besides this you could purchase an Irish instrument, a gothic dress or maybe some poi to play with. Everything to heighten the pleasure of a true Keltfest day.  To keep the party going at home mead could be purchased.


Of course there was a music stage as well. In the morning there was Irish dancing to be seen there. After that it was up to the bands. Rapalje was one of the most performing bands this weekend. They do know how to make everything in to a party. And here the mood was already set. People know the lyrics to their songs and that makes it so much fun. The audience is truly participating in the show. Maceal is always joking with the audience. All the men in this band aren't scared of a little flirting with the audience either. Their final performance on the festival went on even after the official closing time of the festival.

Another contributor to the musical delight of this festival was Orfeo. On the first day they were even accompanied by balfolk instructors. They taught the audience to dance the magic circle, jeels and rigs. The atmosphere was great, even if you were alone you could always find someone to dance with. Kelten Zonder Tekst provided us with some very relaxing tunes and Daddy'o brought us to an Irish pub with their music.

On Sunday there was another musical addition to Keltfest: Omnia. They had to be there. Omnia brought a lot of fans. Again a lot of singing along and dancing was going on. Even though they play neo-pagan music. In spirit it brings you back to days long gone by. Even thought the weather had been very bad all week, during the weekend the sun showed her face many times. As always Vana events was blessed by mother nature.



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