From keynotes to ceilidhs

The Bonar Hall is to be one of three venues playing host to the 2004 Celtic Film and Television Festival, a four-day annual celebration of the best broadcasting and film talent from the Celtic nations and regions.

This year the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary and is expected to draw a star-studded line-up when it is held from 31 March to 3 April. The event annually attracts over 400 delegates and features a range of industry seminars, film, television, radio and new media awards, screenings (minority, English and French language), keynote speeches, business encounter sessions, masterclasses, debate and discussion, Celtic market and a video library of all entries.

The festival rotates between Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall and Brittany and this is the first time it has been held in the east coast of Scotland. It will take place in Dundee’s Cultural Quarter, with events being staged at the Rep Theatre and Dundee Contemporary Arts, along with the Bonar Hall.

The festival, which includes a number of fringe parties, workshops and meetings, is expected to generate more than £500,000 for the local economy.

Chief Executive Frances Hendron said, "We have had a great response to the festival since we announced it would be staged in Dundee.

The depth and range of broadcasting talent in the Celtic countries and regions never ceases to amaze us and we are very much looking forward to seeing this year’s entries. The festival is all about diversity and recognising achievement and I have no doubt that the high standards set by previous award winners will be maintained this year."