A performance at the 30th Celtic Roots Festival in Goderich in August of 2022.
(Photo by Bob Montgomery)A performance at the 30th Celtic Roots Festival in Goderich in August of 2022. (Photo by Bob Montgomery)
Midwestern

Festival wraps up in Goderich

The 30th edition of the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival wrapped up Sunday night.

Vocalist and step dancer, from the band RUNA, Shannon Lambert-Ryan, says it was significant event because it was the first in-person festival since the pandemic began.

This was the fifth year she's travelled to Goderich to perform in the Festival.

“The first year I called my mom and said you have to come up this weekend. There is a magic about this place that if you just drove through the town, it's a lovely town. But there is a magic that happens this week between all of the teachers, all of the students, all of the performers and all of the volunteers that it's just unlike anywhere else we've ever performed,” said Lambert-Ryan.

Lambert-Ryan says the fact that the musicians spend the week at the Celtic College and then the weekend at the Festival creates an opportunity for a lot of sharing.

“There is a community and communal sharing that goes on where any kind of egos just kind of are left behind and then you become a family for the week and then forever there after. It's unlike any other place that we've ever performed. It's not a huge festival, but it is by far the most special.”

Lambert-Ryan says she's looking forward to coming back to Goderich anytime she's invited.

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