Festival Interceltique de Lorient – France 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Established in 1971 as the Festival Interceltique de Lorient (FIL), it was founded by the Cercle Celtique de Lorient to celebrate Celtic culture across Brittany and beyond. Initially focused on Breton music and dance, it evolved into the world’s largest Celtic gathering, uniting artists from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Galicia, Asturias, and the Celtic diaspora (e.g., Acadia, USA, Australia).
• Tradition and Significance: Held annually from the first Friday to the second Sunday of August, FIL attracts nearly 950,000 visitors (2023 data) over 10 days and nights. It’s a vibrant celebration of Celtic music, dance, art, and sports, fostering cultural exchange among Celtic nations. The 2026 edition (August 7–16, 55th edition) will honor “Celtic Diaspora,” spotlighting communities in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Growth Over Time: From 10,000 attendees in 1971, FIL grew to host 5,000+ artists and 300+ events by 2025 across 12 stages. The 2023 festival drew 1.4 million TV viewers for the Grand Parade and 2.1 million (14.7% share) for Horizons Celtiques on France 3. The 2026 edition introduces a “Celtic Futures” program for young artists and expanded virtual streaming on festival-interceltique.bzh.
• Cultural Impact: FIL generates €50–60 million annually for Lorient’s economy, boosting tourism, hospitality, and local crafts. It preserves Celtic heritage through competitions (e.g., bagpipes, Celtic harp) and educational events like masterclasses. The festival’s 1,600+ volunteers and inclusivity initiatives, like the Handiplan, make it a community-driven event. It also promotes Breton language and culture via partnerships with Dastum.
• Modern Developments: The 2026 festival will enhance sustainability with 100% compostable tableware, expanded bike deliveries, and no chemical toilets. Accessibility improvements include more PMR-PSH parking and sign language at key events. The FIL app (updated June 2026) offers real-time schedules, ticket purchases, and live streams. The #IciCestCool campaign continues to combat violence, with The Sorority app for safety alerts.
• Recognition: Recognized by The Guardian as a “global Celtic cornerstone,” FIL is a UNESCO-endorsed event for cultural heritage preservation. It won the 2023 European Festival Award for community engagement and is a member of the Yourope festival network.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Grand Parade of Celtic Nations (August 9, 2026, 10:00 AM): A 3-hour procession with 80,000 spectators, featuring 3,500 musicians, dancers, and bagpipe bands from all Celtic nations along Cours de Chazelles to Moustoir Stadium. Broadcast on France 3 with 1.4 million viewers expected.
  • Horizons Celtiques (August 7–15, 2026): The flagship “Grand Spectacle” at Moustoir Stadium (8:00 PM, 6 performances), blending music, dance, and visuals. Features bagad ensembles, Breton dancers, and diaspora artists like Acadian fiddler Dominique Dupuis. Tickets: $27–$54 (€25–€50).
  • Fest-Noz Series (August 7–15, Salle Carnot, 2:30 PM & 8:00 PM): Traditional Breton dance parties with live music from groups like Plantec, Krenadenn, and Breizh Amerika Collective. Youth-focused Fest-Noz on August 15. Tickets: $10.80 (€10) or Support Badge access.
  • Le Kleub Concerts (August 7–15, Town Hall Square): Contemporary Celtic music with acts like Alana, *Ndiaz, and Red Cardell (August 12, 9:00 PM). PMR-PSH platform with magnetic loop. Tickets: $16.20 (€15) or Support Badge.
  • Place des Pays Celtes (August 7–16, 11:00 AM–11:00 PM): Pavilions showcasing Celtic nations with performances by Lorient Pipe Band, Mari Mathias Band, and The Friel Sisters. Free after 2:00 PM with Support Badge.
  • CinéFIL (August 8–15, St-Louis Auditorium): Celtic-themed films like Kordh (Galicia), Lomax in Éirinn (Ireland), and Copains comme Cajuns (Acadia). Inclusive screening with LSF on August 10. Tickets: $5.40 (€5) or Support Badge.
  • Masterclasses (August 8–15, Palais des Congrès): Workshops on Celtic instruments (fiddle, gaita, uilleann pipes, harp, tin whistle) led by experts like Eva Tejedor. Free with Support Badge, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.
  • Competitions:
    • Loïc Raison Celtic Music Trophy: Six sessions for young artists (August 10–14, Place des Pays Celtes).
    • Kitchen Music Lancelot: Traditional music contest (August 12, 3:00 PM).
    • Bagpipe and Pipe Band Championships: National contests at Espace Jean-Pierre Pichard (August 13–14).
  • Quai de la Bretagne (August 7–16): Concerts by Claymore, NaïRuz, and Kenavo An Distro, plus food stalls. Accessible lower level with PMR-PSH facilities.
  • Triomphe des Sonneurs et Danseurs (August 9, 3:00 PM): Parade of pipers and dancers post-Grand Parade, Cours de Chazelles.
  • Euro Celtic Art Exhibition (August 8–15, Palais des Congrès): 160 works by artists like Robert Micheau-Vernez, ground floor accessible.
  • Sports: Breton wrestling (gouren), rugby demos, and Celtic athletic games at Parc Jules Ferry (August 10–14, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM, free).
  • Quai du Livre: Celtic literature and artisan market with 70% Breton products (August 7–16, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, free).
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Support Badge: €10 for 10-day access to select venues (Le Kleub, Salle Carnot, Place des Pays Celtes after 2:00 PM), supporting festival sustainability.
  • Breton Fest-Noz: Nightly communal dances preserving Breton heritage, open to all skill levels.
  • Celtic Diaspora Focus: 2026 highlights Acadian, Australian, and New Zealand Celtic communities, with performances by The Leblanc Family and Jacques Surette.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience Celtic music, dance, and crafts in Lorient’s vibrant port setting.
  • Street Parades: Daily performances by bagpipe bands and dancers in Lorient’s city center.
  • Community Spirit: Engage with 1,600+ volunteers and local artisans at markets and workshops.

Date & Duration

• Dates: August 7–16, 2026
• Duration: 10 days and nights
• Opening Hours:
  • Concerts/Fest-Noz: 2:30 PM–11:00 PM (main stages), 8:00 PM–1:00 AM (Le Kleub).
  • Markets/Exhibitions: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
  • Grand Parade: August 9, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM.
  • Box Office: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (July 1–August 16, 2026).

Venue / Location

• City: Lorient, Brittany, France
• Main Venues:
  • Moustoir Stadium: Rue Sarah Bernhardt, for Horizons Celtiques and Grand Parade finale (capacity 8,000).
  • Espace Jean-Pierre Pichard: Place d’Armes, for main concerts and competitions (capacity 3,000).
  • Le Kleub: Town Hall Square, for contemporary Celtic music (capacity 2,000).
  • Salle Carnot: Behind Quai du Livre, for Fest-Noz and dance workshops.
  • Place des Pays Celtes: Behind Palais des Congrès, for nation pavilions and concerts.
  • Quai de la Bretagne: Port de Plaisance, for concerts and dining.
  • Palais des Congrès: Quai Gustave Mansion, for masterclasses and exhibitions.
  • St-Louis Auditorium: Place Anatole Le Braz, for CinéFIL screenings.
  • La Galerie du Faouëdic: For art exhibitions (ground floor accessible).
• Notable Areas:
  • Port de Plaisance: Vibrant festival hub with bars, food stalls, and stages.
  • Cours de Chazelles: Route for Grand Parade and Triomphe des Sonneurs.
• Google Maps Address: Rue Pierre Guergadic, 56100 Lorient, France

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Available from July 1, 2026, via festival-interceltique.bzh, Palais des Congrès box office (Rue Pierre Guergadic, +33 2 97 21 24 29), or email billetterie@festival-interceltique.bzh. FIL app (June 2026) for mobile purchases.
  • Support Badge (€10) sold online, at Lorient Bretagne Sud Tourisme offices, and festival vendors (July 28–August 16).
  • Accessibility: Email ddets@festival-interceltique.bzh for PMR-PSH bookings; reduced rates for disabled attendees, free companion tickets for CMI “Invalidité” holders or 80%+ disability.
• Admission Type:
  • Paid for Horizons Celtiques, Le Kleub concerts, and select Fest-Noz/CinéFIL events.
  • Free for Grand Parade (street viewing), markets, sports, and some Place des Pays Celtes events (before 2:00 PM).
  • Support Badge (€10) for access to Le Kleub, Salle Carnot, and other venues after 2:00 PM.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Horizons Celtiques: $27–$54 (€25–€50, Moustoir Stadium).
  • Le Kleub Concerts: $16.20–$21.60 (€15–€20).
  • Fest-Noz: $10.80 (€10) or Support Badge.
  • CinéFIL: $5.40 (€5) or Support Badge.
  • Support Badge: $10.80 (€10, 10-day access to select venues).
  • Reduced Rate: $8.64–$32.40 (€8–€30) for PMR-PSH, students, unemployed, large families (valid ID).
  • Free: Companion tickets for CMI “Invalidité” or 80%+ disability; Grand Parade street viewing; markets before 2:00 PM.
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $0 (free events like Grand Parade, markets).
  • Maximum: $54 (€50, Horizons Celtiques premium seats).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • PMR-PSH Platforms: Accessible areas at Moustoir Stadium, Le Kleub, and Espace Jean-Pierre Pichard with magnetic loops and HF receivers.
  • VIP Seats: $43.20–$54 (€40–€50, Moustoir Stadium front rows).
  • Electric tricycle transport by Syklett for PMR-PSH (free, +33 7 43 22 42 63).

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General: festival@festival-interceltique.bzh
  • Ticketing: billetterie@festival-interceltique.bzh
  • Accessibility: ddets@festival-interceltique.bzh
  • Support Badge: badge@festival-interceltique.bzh
  • Volunteers: benevoles@festival-interceltique.bzh
• Phone: +33 2 97 21 24 29 (9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday; extended hours July–August)
• Website: festival-interceltique.bzh
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @festivalinterceltique
  • X: @Interceltique
  • Hashtag: #FIL2026
• Key Staff:
  • Organizer: Festival Interceltique de Lorient Association
  • Director: Lisardo Lombardia
  • Volunteers Coordinator: Contact via benevoles@festival-interceltique.bzh
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Apply for accreditation by July 2026 via festival@festival-interceltique.bzh.
  • Volunteers: Apply via festival-interceltique.bzh (June 2026, 1,600+ needed).
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English, French, Breton support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions: FIL celebrates Celtic heritage through Fest-Noz dances, bagpipe competitions, and Breton cuisine, with 2026’s focus on the Celtic diaspora highlighting Acadian and Australian influences.
• Music: Traditional and contemporary Celtic sounds from bagads (Breton ensembles), uilleann pipes, and fiddles, with artists like Red Cardell and The Friel Sisters.
• Costumes: Traditional Breton attire (coiffes, embroidered vests), kilts, and Celtic-inspired clothing during parades and Fest-Noz.
• Local Customs: Join communal dances, savor crêpes at food stalls, and engage in Celtic language workshops (Breton, Irish Gaelic).

Food & Drinks

• Specialties: Breton crêpes, far breton, kouign-amann, and seafood (moules-frites) at Place des Pays Celtes and Quai de la Bretagne. Vegetarian options include crepe fillings, salads, and veggie burgers.
• Beverages: Breton cider, chouchen (honey mead), local beers (Coreff, Lancelot), and kir breton at festival bars.
• Sustainability: 70% of suppliers are Breton, 20% from Morbihan. All tableware is compostable or recyclable; central catering reduces food waste.

Getting There

• Airport: Lorient Bretagne Sud (5 km, $10–$15 taxi, +33 2 97 87 21 50); Brest Bretagne (130 km, $50–$70 taxi); Nantes (170 km, $60–$80 taxi).
• Train: Lorient Bretagne Sud Station, 15-min walk or 3-min bus ($1.50, ter.sncf.com). TER BreizhGo: €4–€5 (<26 years), €11/person group pass, €5 FIL ticket from Pays de la Loire with festival ticket proof.
• Bus/Batobus: Izilo network ($1.50–$3, izilo.bzh) with PMR-PSH ramps. Festival bus station at Merville market halls (open until 4:00 AM weekends, 3:00 AM weekdays). Batobus from Quai des Indes.
• Parking: Nayel Parking (Rue Paul Bert, $5–$10/day), L’Orientis (near station), and PMR-PSH lots (e.g., 30 spaces at Rue Étienne Perault). Park and Ride at Parc des Expositions, Lanester, with bus to festival.
• Bike: Vélo An Oriant rentals ($5/day, izilo.bzh); CycloGistic bike deliveries for festival logistics.
• Accessibility: PMR-PSH parking, electric tricycles (Syklett, +33 7 43 22 42 63), and accessible bus stops. Schengen visa may apply (diplomatie.gouv.fr).

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Hôtel Mercure Lorient Centre, $100–$200/night.
• Mid-Range: Ibis Lorient Centre Gare, $60–$120/night.
• Budget: Hôtel Les Pêcheurs, $40–$80/night.
• Camping/Campervans: Regulated RV parking via Lorient Bretagne Sud Tourisme (lorientbretagnesudtourisme.fr, $10–$20/night).
• Airbnb: Lorient apartments, $50–$150/night; book 6+ months ahead.
• PMR-PSH: Accessible accommodations listed at +33 2 97 84 78 00.

Accessibility Declaration

• Commitment: FIL adheres to French accessibility standards, offering PMR-PSH platforms, magnetic loops, HF receivers, and LSF at key events. The website (festival-interceltique.bzh) is partially WCAG 2.1 compliant, with improvements planned for 2026.
• Facilities: Wheelchair loans, vibrating vests, hearing protection, and electric tricycle transport (Syklett). Accessibility stands at Place des Pays Celtes and Espace Jean-Pierre Pichard (11:00 AM–10:00 PM).
• Contact: Email ddets@festival-interceltique.bzh or call +33 2 97 21 24 29 for accessibility requests or complaints.