Society members dismiss board of directors for Cape Breton’s iconic Celtic Colours festival

The Celtic Colours International Festival has made headlines recently as the entire board of directors has been fired by the society that runs the event. This decision came after volunteer complaints, a decline in the visitor experience, and the resignation of several senior staff members.

Shauna Walters, a longtime employee who resigned last year, spoke out about the toxic environment within the festival office. She expressed her frustration with the board’s lack of action in addressing the issues plaguing the event. Walters stated, “There’s a difference between a festival dying a natural death and being murdered and unfortunately, we were watching it being murdered.”

Former board chair Jacquelyn Scott revealed that the problems within the festival date back three years. Despite efforts from members to prompt the board to make changes, no progress was made. Scott emphasized that the dismissal of the board was not a coup d’etat, but rather an attempt to salvage the festival.

The Celtic Colours Festival, which has been a staple in Cape Breton since 1997, features a weeklong series of concerts and activities in community halls around the island. However, recent issues such as venues not being properly maintained and concertgoers experiencing operational mishaps have raised concerns among society members.

With five senior staff members resigning, including three after this year’s festival, the society members lacked confidence in the board’s ability to hire suitable replacements. Scott explained that the decision to remove the board was necessary to ensure the festival’s future success, especially as preparations for next year’s event begin.

Despite the upheaval, volunteer and musician James (Jinks) O’Neill reassured the public that the festival will continue. He acknowledged the valid concerns raised by society members but expressed optimism for the event’s future. O’Neill commended the efforts of those who took action to preserve the festival’s legacy.

Board chair Marcel McKeough expressed confusion over the dismissal, stating that the meeting where the decision was made only included a third of the society’s membership. He mentioned that the organizers may have acted outside of the society’s bylaws. However, McKeough remains confident in the board’s ability to address the challenges ahead and ensure another successful year for the festival.

In conclusion, while the Celtic Colours International Festival has faced setbacks with the removal of its board of directors, there is hope for a bright future. Society members, volunteers, and staff are determined to overcome the challenges and ensure that this iconic event continues to thrive. The upcoming full meeting in January will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and chart a path forward for the festival’s success.