Lorient, a coastal city in Brittany, has deep-rooted Celtic connections. Through the Festival InterCeltique de Lorient, founded in 1971, it celebrates the music, dance and traditions of Celtic nations worldwide. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors, showcasing Lorient’s enduring relationship with Celtic heritage and its dedication to preserving this ancient culture.
Cymru in the Lorient Festival InterCeltique, Brittany 5-12 August 2023
Wales had a strong presence at this year’s festival as part of the Wales in France activities for 2023.
The main festival featured performances by VRï, The Trials of Cato, Only Boys Aloud, and Meinir Olwen. There was also a photo exhibition titled ‘Y Carneddau’ by Scott Taylor from Wrexham. On Monday, August 7th, the dance production ‘Qwerin’ by Osian Meilir performed in the Théâtre de Lorient. The Wales in France programme, supported by Welsh Government, included performances at the Place des Pays Celtes stage in Lorient.
The Mari Mathias band and AVANC performed three times over the opening weekend, with the First Minister attending on Friday, August 4th. The First Minister was also present for the exhibition’s opening on Saturday 5th August.
Throughout the week, there were performances by Only Boys Aloud, Meinir Olwen, Owen Shiers, The Trials of Cato and Cerys Hafana at Place des Pays Celtes. On Saturday, August 12th, there was a special Wales in France concert at Places des Pays Celtes featuring Owen Shiers, Cerys Hafana, and VRï.
There was a Wales in France promotional stand as a part of the Place des Pays Celtes, designed and delivered by Orchard Media and Events, providing information about Visist Wales, Welsh culture and language. The goal was to showcase the connections between Wales and Brittany, including twinning towns and villages, and the shared cultural heritage, especially the Welsh and Breton languages.
You can find out more about the Wales in France 2023 Culture Programme here: