CeltCast, More Than Just Radio

Photo by Thomas Ribbrock

When you visit a fantasy festival, you simply cannot miss them: the amazing people of CeltCast! Wearing their recognisable black T-shirts, they can often be found around the various stages with a camera in hand.

But who are these enthusiastic people?

CeltCast is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. It was founded in 2014 by Alex and Arjan, two men with a great passion for folk music and for the freedom, inclusivity and sense of community found at fantasy festivals.

Their goal? To share this special music with as many people as possible and support the artists who create it.

Celtcast Radio

It was this passion that led to the creation of the online radio station CeltCast, a place where Celtic, Viking, Pagan and folk music receives the attention it deserves.

And they have certainly succeeded! As soon as you tune in to CeltCast, you step into another world. A world full of mystery, adventure and music that effortlessly transports you to the fantasy worlds we know so well from fantasy festivals.

By playing this music and actively giving it attention, CeltCast helps keep the unique folk and fantasy scene alive and bridges the gap between festivals.

Behind the music is a team that carefully listens to and selects new tracks. They do not simply put together a random playlist. Instead, the team aims to introduce listeners to artists, albums and tracks that are worth discovering.

A great example of this is the Daily Discs, which highlight new music recently added to the radio stream. This allows listeners not only to discover the latest releases but also to get to know bands they may never have heard before.

Then there are the Monthly Markers: tracks that receive extra attention throughout an entire month and are played several times a day. On the website, you can also read why these particular tracks were selected.

CeltCast also publishes album reviews and musical introductions. This means listeners can enjoy the music while discovering more about the albums, the artists and the stories behind the music.

From Radio to Festival Grounds

Now you may be wondering: if CeltCast is a radio station, what are they doing at all those fantasy festivals?

Over the years, CeltCast has grown into much more than just a radio station broadcasting music from a distance. The team has expanded to more than 40 volunteers, who go out to support festivals in a variety of ways.

For example, they create themed buttons for each festival edition and hand them out for free while stocks last. By now, there are many enthusiastic collectors who track down the volunteers in search of the latest additions to their collections.

Through their beautiful photographs, enthusiastic social media posts and impressive livestreams, they capture the festivals and performances.

When the music comes to life on stage, the experience is no longer limited to the festival grounds. Music lovers can also enjoy the performances and the special atmosphere from the comfort of their own sofas at home.

Did you know that CeltCast will also be present at Pixie Spirit Fest to provide live coverage of the performances at our event? How amazing is that? So you do not have to worry about missing anything. After Pixie Spirit Fest, you can watch everything back at your leisure from home.

The livestream will be available on YouTube and our website.

The CeltCast Fantasy Awards:

In addition to its radio station and livestreams, CeltCast also organises the CeltCast Fantasy Awards every year.

These special awards not only put artists in the spotlight but also recognise the many other creative talents that make the folk and fantasy world so special. Think of fantasy festivals in the Netherlands and beyond, vendors who decorate their stalls down to the smallest detail, the artists behind album covers, roaming performers at festivals and the videographers who bring the most beautiful music videos to life.

Behind the music and festivals lies an entire world. A world full of people who contribute to the atmosphere and experience we value so much through their creativity, enthusiasm and hard work.

The CeltCast Fantasy Awards also give these people the recognition they deserve.

And the best part? The audience decides who wins and gets their moment in the spotlight!

Traditionally, the first round of voting begins during the October edition of Fantasy Fest. Until the end of the year, the public can help compile the longlist. You can nominate and vote for your favourite band, event, vendor, music video and much more.

This gives everyone the opportunity to bring their favourites into the spotlight and contribute to the appreciation of everything this scene has to offer.

The CeltCast Fantasy Awards show that the folk and fantasy scene is about much more than music alone. It is a world built on creativity, passion, collaboration and people who inspire one another. Through these awards, CeltCast helps make this world more visible and allows it to continue growing.

Have you voted yet?

The first round of voting is now open! Take a look, discover your favourites and help put all the talent within the folk and fantasy world in the spotlight.

The Fantasy Awards will be presented during the February edition of Fantasy Fest in Rijswijk. Would you like to be there? Keep an eye on the CeltCast website and buy your tickets there at a discounted price!

Help CeltCast Continue to Grow

CeltCast is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. However, the CeltCast community continues to grow, which also means that the costs of keeping everything running continue to increase.

That is why donations of any kind are welcome. Your financial support contributes to everything they do. Would you like to support CeltCast?