Callout for Kilkenny entrants to Pan Celtic Festival

Composers, singers and writers in Kilkenny have the chance to create a new song representing Ireland in the Celtic nations’ answer to the Eurovision.

They are being asked to enter their top tunes - as Gaeilge - for the Pan Celtic International Festival 2025, which launches next Wednesday (December 4).

Entrants must submit their original song by December 30 to be in the running to perform on Carlow’s George Bernard Shaw Theatre @ VISUAL stage on January 25.

The winner, who will win a prize of €1,000 and progress to compete against representatives from the five other Celtic nations, will be selected by a panel of judges on the night.

The festival involves a broad programme of events, from storytelling and lectures to singing and dance competitions. The common language spoken is English, making it accessible for fluent speakers and beginners, alike.

“The Pan Celtic International Festival provides a fantastic way to promote Celtic languages through music, song, dance and storytelling,” said festival coordinator, Bríde de Roiste. The International Pan Celtic Song Contest is like the Eurovision for the six Celtic nations.

A further €1,500 and the international trophy will be awarded to the overall winning singer of the Pan Celtic International Song Contest in April. Both the lyrics and music must be original and in Irish and songs may be written and performed by solo singers, groups or bands

www.panceltic.ie