Halifax, NS - The 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel Pipes and Drums are Atlantic Canada’s most successful pipe band and they will be making their first public concert performance “Changing of the Guard” in over 10 years at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, on Thursday June 1, 2006 at 7:30pm.

“The 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel have won pipe band championships at the highest levels in Atlantic Canada, won both Canadian and North American championships in 2003, and have competed at the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland various times over the last fifteen years. It is time for the group to perform at home in Nova Scotia”, says Pipe Major Roderick MacLean.

The June concert, entitled “Changing of the Guard”, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the departure of the last British garrison from Halifax and the full assumption of responsibility by Canadians for our own defense. Celebrations are also planned for this historical event at the base of the Halifax Citadel in July 2006.

The “Changing of the Guard” Concert will feature vocal and instrumental soloists, high energy Highland and step dancing, and an ensemble of traditional Celtic musicians from Nova Scotia. Performances by the 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel Pipes and Drums, The MacQuarrie Highland Dancers, Glenn Graham, Troy MacGillivray, Dave MacIsaac, Patricia Murray, and Damien Moynihan. From the evocative tone of the Scottish air to the toe tapping twist of the reel, there is something Celtic for everyone on the opening night of the Halifax Celtic Feis!

The “Changing of the Guard” Concert is proudly sponsored by The Scottish Lion, The Changing of the Guard Committee, Parks Canada, and the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Tickets are $25.00, including HST, and can be purchased through the Rebecca Cohn Box Office, Little Scotland, and the Halifax Celtic Feis website and box office. Seating is reserved with show time beginning at 7:30 PM.

For more information and media inquiries contact: Scott Long, Production Manager, Halifax Celtic Feis, Ph. 902.444.3000, slong@hypemc.com or Roderick MacLean, Pipe Major, 78th Highlanders Halifax Citadel Pipes and Drums, Ph. 902.422.5979

The Halifax Celtic Feis is an international festival celebrating our rich Celtic heritage through music, dance, and the arts being held June 1-4, 2006. For more information visit: www.halifaxcelticfeis.com.