Belle Mont Celtic Fest announces new addition and returning favorites
Festival planners for the fourth annual Belle Mont Celtic Fest on May 9-10 are excited to announce that a new facet has been added to this year’s Celtic music and culture event! Tiffany Menard, breeder and trainer of Southern Border Collies of Perkinston, Mississippi, will be traveling to Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Lane, Tuscumbia, to demonstrate shepherding techniques and to share and describe the iconic breed of herding dogs, which are deeply associated with the Celtic highlands.
Lovers of the James Herriot novels and the PBS series “All Things Bright and Beautiful” will certainly recognize the beautiful and intelligent black-and-white dogs often depicted among the green fields of Scotland and Ireland, where they are instrumental to the care and control of sheep in the field.
In addition to several Border Collies, Ms. Menard will be bringing sheep and lambs for demonstrations and she will allow for photographs with the animals and for kids to pet the lambs. Nothing could be cuter or sweeter than kids and lambs!
A Celtic Festival would not be complete without adorable, shaggy Highland Cows! Trey and Laura Edwards of Middlefork Farms in Franklin County will be returning with Greer, a lovable shaggy cow, who was a hit with previous festival goers, particularly the children. Everyone loves the cuddly-looking bovines, which are called “Coos” in Scotland.
A free Kids’ Tent, sponsored by First Metro Bank, will provide engagement for children of all ages. Fairy Houses created on site will be free to take home and face painting will be available at a nominal charge.
A Celtic Fest wouldn’t be complete without kilts, tartans, and Celtic merchandise. “Near and Far Scottish” will be returning with a large selection. Tennessee Valley Scottish Society be on hand for the first time ever to assist in establishing family connections to the Scottish Clans and their tartans. A “Scottish Bakery” is adding scones and more to the selection of food trucks planned to keep people fed throughout the day.
The highlight of Saturday’s all-day event will be the music! The 2025 Belle Mont Celtic Fest is headlined by the Sean Heeley Band from the Washing DC/Virginia area. Featured champion fiddle player Heeley will provide the lilting tunes of the Celtic British Isles, with a world-class group of musicians.
Returning musical acts on Saturday will include: the Piper Jones Band, Chambless and Muse, and the Alabama Pipes and Drums.
Festival Details are as follows:
Friday, May 9th, is “Museum Day” at Belle Mont Mansion. No admission will be charged on this pre-festival day. Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Visit the historic home for tours, lectures, a house concert at 1:00 p.m. by returning fiddler Jim Cauthen and his wife, folklorist and guitarist, Joyce Cauthen. UNA history professor Dr. George Makowski will present a program at 2:00 p.m. and Alabama State Representative Ernie Yarbrough will speak at 3:00 p.m. A Southern Border Collies demonstration will conclude the day at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 10, is the main festival event, with musical performances throughout the day on the outdoor stage. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students age 13-18 (cash preferred) and free for kids 12 years and under. Discounted adult tickets are available for $6.00 by purchasing in advance through Eventbrite. Bring chairs and blankets for seating on the lawn. Food Trucks available. Golf cart shuttles will be available from the parking field to the main performance area and the museum.
Special arrangements for the disabled include a special access area. Please inform the gate personnel upon your arrival if this is needed.
In the case of inclement weather, the Saturday festival will move to the gymnasium of Northwest Shoals Community College. A decision will be made 24 hours in advance and will be announced on social media.
