Newry has been chosen as the host city for the prestigious Celtic Media Festival from the 21st-23rd April 2010.

The three day celebration of broadcasting and film talent will showcase work from Scotland, Northern Ireland, The Republic of Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany. Now in its 31st year, the festival is expected to attract up to 400 delegates to the city including some big name guests and prestigious industry speakers.

The Celtic Media Festival is supported by broadcast, film, cultural and economic organisations across the Celtic nations and provides a unique opportunity for those within the film and broadcasting community to network, exchange ideas, attend workshops and sessions and promote the unique cultures and languages of the Celtic diaspora.

Previous high profile guests include screenwriter Jimmy McGovern (Cracker, The Lakes, The Street), film maker Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes The Barley, Kes, My Name Is Joe), Russell T Davies (Doctor Who) and actors Rhys Ifans and Stephen Rea.

Last held in Northern Ireland in Belfast in 2003, this is only the fourth time the festival has been hosted in Northern Ireland and the first time in Newry. Though the festival is primarily for industry delegates, organisers aim to encourage wider public participation through local screenings, exhibitions, evening entertainment and celebrity interviews.

The chairman of The Celtic Media Festival is RTÉ’s Director General Cathal Goan and he believes the event is a key date in the media industry calendar:

“During these tough times the industry needs real focus and the Celtic Media Festival is a great opportunity for practitioners to examine key roles and look towards the future. It’s great that we’re back in Northern Ireland and especially to Newry, an area with many historic connections and a vibrant Irish language history. The 2010 Festival promises, as ever, to be a diverse and important event in the media calendar.”

One of the highlights of the festival will be the presentation of The Bronze Torcs for Excellence. 21 Torcs are to be won in categories including factual series, arts, drama, sport, current affairs, children's programmes, interactivity, and radio station of the year. The winners will be selected by an international jury and six category winners will be announced on each of the three days of the festival.

The closing date for entries for this year’s awards is Friday 23rd October. Full details can be found at www.celticmediafestival.co.uk