Bethlehem’s Celtic Classic sees new hope just weeks after organizers announce festivals end | Bethlehem Area

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – There’s new hope in reviving Bethlehem’s Celtic Classic just weeks after organizers announced the end of the festival.

A bagpipe flash mob took to the streets Saturday as the “Awaken The Celtic Classic” fundraiser took place outside of Donegal Square.

The Celtic Cultural Alliance says that mounting financial pressures and weather-related challenges were some of the reasons they decided to end the festival after its 39th year.

Two founders of the Celtic Classic say they couldn’t let it go without a fight.

“We have been involved with the organization since its beginning, and we couldn’t really see it not making 40 years,” said Neville Gardner, Owner of McCarthy’s Rd Stag Pub. “We couldn’t see it die. So, we got together, chatted about it, and said okay, we’ll commit to doing whatever it takes to get it to move forward.”

Organizers are confident the event can return, even if it takes a slightly different form next year.

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