GODERICH, Ontario - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron--Bruce today announced funding for the Goderich Celtic Folk Society, whose annual Concerts at the Celtic Roots festival will take place from July 30 to August 9, 2010, and July 29 to August 7, 2011.
 
The festival will focus on music from various Celtic traditions, with plans each year to feature more than two dozen emerging and professional musical groups from across Canada and abroad. A new Celtic Kickoff Weekend has been added, featuring eight concert presentations across Huron County during the week prior to the actual Festival. Goderich Celtic Folk Society’s related outreach and audience development activities such as the Celtic College, Celtic Kids and Rural Roots: Concerts in the County along with its workshops and artist discussions at the Festival, as well as the concerts it presents at schools during the year.

"I am pleased that our Government continues to recognize the importance of arts and culture at the community level by supporting the efforts of organizations like the Goderich Celtic Folk Society," said MP Lobb. "

“This federal funding is the sustaining money that allows our Festival to bring in National and International performers and audiences and we are very grateful to receive it,’ said Eleanor Robinson of the Goderich Celtic Folk Society. 

The Government of Canada has provided $60,000 over two years, through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentation of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.