GETTING TO GODERICH
Goderich is located on the shores of Lake Huron, on Hwy #8 and Hwy #21. It is approximately a 1 hour drive north from London and a 2.5 hour drive west from Toronto.
Goderich Celtic Roots Festival:
Lions' Harbour Park: 168 West St Goderich ON N7A 2K9
Celtic College & Kids Camp:
Goderich District Collegiate Institute: 260 South St, Goderich, ON N7A 3M5
PARKING ON THE GROUNDS
Street parking is available.
To provide more barrier free opportunities for our attendees there is NO PUBLIC PARKING AT LIONS HARBOUR PARK.
There will be FREE accessibility buses running on a schedule between the Goderich District Collegiate Institute (high school) Bennett Street West parking lot and the Green Shed at Lions Harbour Park.
CELTIC COLLEGE
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO ATTEND THE CELTIC COLLEGE?
The Celtic College is available to those aged 13 and over.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK?
There are four 80-minute classes per day. Students select four workshops per day and follow this schedule throughout the week. For example, you will have the same class every day from 9:00 AM to 10:20 AM, Monday to Thursday.
ARE STUDENTS ACCEPTED AT ALL SKILL LEVELS?
Classes are designed for a variety of skill levels, from absolute beginner to master. Recommended skill levels can be found HERE.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN THE EVENING?
Each night, teachers from the Celtic College perform at the outdoor stage in Courthouse Square, giving a taste of what’s to come at the Festival. The concerts are free and open to everyone. Sound is run by our sound course students and instructors.
There is limited fixed seating by the stage, but we encourage you to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In the case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held at Lakeshore United Church (56 North Street; accessible with an elevator), with doors open at 7pm.
Performers often have CDs for sale at the evening concerts. Make sure to bring some cash if you’d like to buy one (or two, or…)
WHERE CAN I STAY IN GODERICH?
Students must arrange their own accommodations for the week of the College and Festival. Goderich Tourism will have up-to-date information to consult. It is strongly recommended to book as early as possible.
WHAT HAPPENS ON FRIDAY?
Students are invited to perform in the Student Showcase. Participation is completely voluntary.
Students are admitted to the Festival free of charge on Friday. Entry into the festival thereafter will require a weekend of single day pass. Weekend passes are available to students, but these discounted passes must be purchased prior to or during the Celtic College.
WHEN DO I REGISTER?
Registration is open NOW. Upon arrival in Goderich, students are invited to pick up their registration materials
Sun, Aug 2nd >> 2pm – 6pm >> The Livery Theatre
Mon, Aug 3rd >> Beginning at 8am >> Celtic College Location (GDCI)
IS THERE A FAMILY DISCOUNT FOR THE CELTIC COLLEGE?
Yes, there is a family discount available for four or more family members attending the Celtic College or Kids Camp. For more information about this discount, please reach out to our administration.
IS PART-TIME TUITION AVAILABLE?
We offer a part-time tuition for the four days of the Celtic College. For more information about tuition, please reach out to our administration.
ARE THERE ANY SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
Yes. We encourage youth aged 13 to 25 to submit a letter (of up to 500 words) to the Celtic Festival outlining their musical or artistic background, why they would like to attend the Celtic College, and how the Celtic College will help preserve musical and artistic culture both for themselves and for the community.
- Letters may be submitted to the attention of the Celtic College Scholarship Committee to festival@celticfestival.ca or mailed to Box 171, Goderich ON, N7A 3Z2. Applications must be received by July 1st. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application no later than July 8th.
- Scholarships cover the cost of tuition and a Festival Weekend Pass.
FESTIVAL
WHERE CAN I BUY FESTIVAL PASSES?
Passes are available for purchase on our website (until August 4th) or onsite at the main festival gate. Weekend and single-day passes are available. Children aged 12 and under can enter the festival for free.
WHERE CAN I ACCESS THE FESTIVAL?
The festival takes place in Lions Harbour Park, Goderich, Ontario, Canada. 168 West St Goderich ON N7A 2K9
WHEN CAN I ACCESS THE FESTIVAL?
Gates open 11:00 AM daily and runs until midnight on Friday & Saturday and 9:00 PM on Sunday.
ARE PETS ALLOWED?
Only Service Animals are allowed on the festival grounds.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Street Parking is available. Attendees should park on the street as they have in previous years. There will be FREE accessibility buses running between the Goderich District Collegiate Institute (260 South Street) Bennett Street West parking lot and the Green Shed at Lions Harbour Park.
WHAT CAN I BRING ON SITE?
We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle - there is a clean water refill station at the Park Washrooms. There is limited seating on site and most people bring a camping chair, beach chair or blanket.
WILL THE VENDORS TAKE DEBIT?
Most vendors will be able to accept debit or credit cards, but there is an ATM on site if cash is required.
CAN I SMOKE/VAPE ON SITE?
Our festival site is a smoke-free environment. No cigarettes, marijuana, or vaping is permited.