The ROM Holds First Celtic Weekend

Celebrate Irish, Scottish, and Welsh culture March 3 and 4

(Toronto, Ontario – February 29, 2012) On Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4, 2012, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) brings the Celtic world to Toronto by introducing its first Celtic weekend. Explore Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and other Celtic cultures. Join in a musical “jam session”, just bring in your own instrument to be part of the slow session along with professional musicians, beginners are welcome. Enjoy dance performances , see rare treasures, paint your face blue to become a Celtic warrior, hear myths and legends from different traditions, or put on your dancing shoes and learn to jig at our Family Ceili (pron. kay-lee) - a traditional Irish gathering for fun, fellowship, dancing, music and laughs.

Celtic Weekend Program Schedule: 10:30 am – 2:45 pm
(Programs free with General Admission)

Main Stage (Currelly Gallery, Level 1)

  • 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Scottish Highland Dance, The McDonnell School of Scottish Highland Dancing with Jamie Douglas, and the Toronto Police Pipe Band
  • 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Music from the Celtic World with the Loretto Reid Music Ensemble
  • 2:15 pm - 2:45 pm: Irish Step Dancing with Maureen's Reel Irish Dancing School
  • 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm: Irish Ceili - Join us for an authentic Irish Dance Party!

Music Corner (Canada Court, Level 1)

  • 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Slow Session - Enjoy an informal musical “jam session”, all beginner musicians are welcome to drop by and join in – bring your own instrument!

Story Corner (Samuel European Galleries, Level 3)

  • 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm - Storytelling: Tales from the Celtic world with Chris Cavanagh (Saturday) and Douglas Gibson (Sunday).

Kids Corner (Rotunda, Level 1)

  • 11:00 am – 4:00 pm - Hands-on crafts and activities for kids! Make Faerie crowns, try your hand at knotwork, face painting and more.

Out of the Vaults: Treasures from the Celtic World (Samuel European Galleries, Level 3)

  • Discover objects from the Celtic world brought out from ROM’s behind-the-scenes collections, not usually on display in the Museum!