Throngs of people are expected to converge on Historic Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Sept. 26-28, for the 21st annual Celtic Classic. The Tannahill Weavers (Scotland) Presented by the nonprofit Celtic Cultural Alliance, the free event is a celebration of the Irish, Scottish and Welsh cultures and heritage.  Its six stages of continuous entertainment will feature performances by The Tannahill Weavers, Teada, The Elders, Bodega, Seamus Kennedy,  Charlie Zahm, Clandestine, Malinky, Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers, Cantrip, Prydein,  Slide, The Town Pants, button accordionists David Munnelly and John Whelan and their bands, as well as Irish and Highland dancers.

Other musical attractions during the weekend include The Celtic Classic Invitational Pipe Band Competition and both a fiddle competition and an Irish singing contest on Sunday. Festival-goers also are also invited to bring their instruments and jam with Celtic Classic performers during seisuns taking place throughout the weekend.

The Celtic Classic also features North America’s largest highland games.  The U.S. National Highland Athletic Championships will include the lifting of heavy stone, throwing a 22-pound hammer, and tossing of the caber.  Border collie exhibitions, Celtic artisan demonstrations, a Celtic marketplace, a “Showing of the Tartan” parade, a haggis eating contest, Clan tents, living history and  Celtic Quest areas featuring educational displays and presentations, as well as performances and interactive children’s activities also are on tap.

All the activity takes place at the festival grounds along the banks of Monocracy Creek and adjacent to downtown Bethlehem’s Main Street shopping area.  Hours for the Celtic Classic are 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.  For more information on one of the most popular events in the Lehigh Valley, visit www.celticfest.org.