05/10/2026
✨ WHAT. A. GALA. ✨
We’re finally awake, somewhat recovered, and still talking about what an incredible night the 2026 Lamplight Gala turned out to be! From the music to the laughs to the standing ovations, the night was a true celebration of Cape Breton’s coal mining heritage and the community that keeps those stories alive.
A massive thank you to our phenomenal MC Ian McNeil, opening act Colin Grant & Stan Roach, dancers Zoe McIsaac and Isabel Pilling, performers Jordan Musycsyn, Margaret MacPherson, and Jenn Sheppard, and the undisputed king and queen of Cape Breton comedy, Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison, who nearly had us falling out of our chairs laughing.
Our incredible house band featuring Stephen Muise, Fred Lavery, Em Dingwall, Lyndon Mackenzie, Brian Talbot, and Colin Grant kept the energy rolling all night long. Huge shoutout as well to the talented Kenny Boone, whose live painting raffle became one of the highlights of the evening.
And then came the moment everyone will be talking about fora long time.. the legendary Jim Cuddy taking the stage alongside incredible fiddler Anna Lindsey for a truly unforgettable performance. Accompanied by The Men of the Deeps, the forum was absolutely electric and the crowd loved every second of it.
Because of your support, this year’s Lamplight Gala raised over $115,000 to help support the Cape Breton Miners Museum and our mission to preserve and promote Cape Breton’s coal mining heritage. That’s huge.
To our Lamplight Gala committee, Olive Street Entertainment, NovaStream, Champagne Rose, Flavor, our Stage sponsor Interac Canada, museum staff, mine guides, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and every single person who bought a ticket, placed a bid, bought raffle tickets, or simply came out to support us… thank you. Events like this do not happen without community.
Oh, and thanks to Rodger for showing up too 😉
