Celts To Storm Caernarfon

Historic Caernarfon in northwest Wales has been chosen to host the 30th annual Celtic Media Festival, which will take place between March 25-27, 2009.

The three-day celebration of broadcasting and film talent will showcase excellence from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany.

The Festival, which is supported by broadcast, film, cultural and economics organisations across the Celtic nations, provides a unique opportunity for those within the film and broadcasting community to network, exchange ideas, attend workshops and sessions and promote the unique cultures and languages of the Celtic diaspora.

Full details of the programme will be revealed early in 2009, however the prestigious festival is expected to draw big name guests and industry speakers.

Previous high profile guests include Jimmy McGovern ('Cracker', 'The Lakes', 'The Street'), Ken Loach ('My Name Is Joe', 'Kes', 'The Wind That Shakes The Barley'), Creative Director, Phil Edgar Jones ('Big Brother'), Russell T Davies ('Doctor Who', 'Queer As Folk') and Edith Bowman (BBC Radio 1).

One of the Festival highlights will be the presentation of the Bronze Torcs for Excellence.

Nineteen Torcs are to be won in categories which include factual series, arts, drama, sport, current affairs, children's programmes, interactivity and radio station of the year.

Festival Chairman and RTÉ Director General Cathal Goan, said: "It's a pleasure to be returning to Caernarfon for the 30th Celtic Media Festival, 21 years after our first visit in 1988.

"Caernarfon is steeped in history, and is a dynamic centre for the Welsh language but is also a shining example to the Celtic nations of a vibrant creative cluster with its concentration of large and small production companies, studios and the UK's largest facility house outside of London, Barcud Derwen.

"Over the years, the Celtic Film Festival has evolved and grown into a must-attend event for media practitioners. We hope to extend our reach this year by attracting more students to the Festival and encouraging wider public participation through local screenings, exhibitions, evening entertainment and celebrity interviews."

Further information is available at: www.celticmediafestival.co.uk.

(KMcA)