Newbattle Abbey's Celtic Festival

Newbattle Abbey’s Celtic Festival will celebrate celtic culture and woodland heritage with a programme to suit all tastes and ages. The festival also marks the International Year of Biodiversity with a variety of outdoor activities.

The festival will be held in Newbattle’s beautiful building and 125 acre estate, which includes extensive ancient woodlands. The activities and displays on offer will be run by a range of partners and will feature hands-on experiences in music, dance, gardening and crafts.

Please join us for a healthy day out for the family in our beautiful surroundings. All activities are free.

Celtic Tent

A programme of traditional music, song and dance will be running from 11am – 6pm and will include local groups and performers of all ages. The tent is floored for Ceilidh dancing and also has a bar.

Traditional Dance Workshops

Traditional celtic dance workshops will be on offer in the college Crypt throughout the day. People of all ages can learn about Scottish, Irish and Breton dance and join in our informal workshops.

Local History Workshops

Sessions will be offered on:

  • ‘Ossian: Highland Myths and Lowland “Misunderstandings”
  • Rosslyn Chapel

Introduction to Archaeology

This workshop will introduce the basic principles of archaeology and will be followed by a simulated dig in our community garden area.

Storytelling Workshop

Learn about the techniques of contemporary storytelling in a workshop led by a tutor from The Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Craft Tent

Our Craft Tent, which also has a bar, includes a rang of stalls:

  • Jewellery
  • Silverware
  • Organic food and drink
  • Natural soap
  • Wood craft
  • Tartan craft
  • Plant sales
  • Wool craft
  • Crafts
  • candles

Woodland Activities

Several activities will be led by the staff from Forestry Commission Scotland and Midlothian’s Biodiversity Team and Ranger Service. These include:

  • Woodland trails
  • Learning about Celtic trees
  • Wood craft
  • Woodland storytelling
  • Learn Gaelic through Bushcraft

Activities for all ages in the College Grounds

  • Stream Dipping with the Esk Valley Trust
  • Butterfly and Insect World – giant millipedes, hissing cockroaches, snakes and tarantulas
  • Biodiversity Games
  • Treasure Hunt
  • Family Sports
  • Beekeeping Display

Food and Refreshments

We have food and refreshments for all tastes:

  • Hog Roast
  • Lamb Roast
  • Bars –wine, beer, soft drinks
  • Crisp Hut
  • Café
  • Ice Cream Van
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