Bellarine events share in $50,000 funding

PORTARLINTON’S Celtic festival has received a $20,000 funding grant for next year’s event, while Queenscliff is set to host the Queenscliff Winter Weekends thanks to a $30,000 grant.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the National Celtic Folk Festival, which is expected to attract up to 15,000 people between June 8 and 11, meant serious business for Portarlington and the Bellarine because it attracted visitors, created jobs, and kept local businesses busy.

“It’s events like these that keep our bars, restaurants and hotels busy, and put Portarlington and the Bellarine on the map for visitors,” Ms Neville said.

“Our Regional Events Fund is helping to grow our enviable calendar of events – and that means more jobs and stronger economies across our regions.”

The Winter Weekends will be held between June 21 and July 17 at Queenscliff, and is expected to also attract up to 15,000 attendees.

During the four weekends in June and July, a curated program of music, performance, film, food and wine combine with local exhibitions and community markets to reinvigorate the senses, indulge in gastronomic delights, discover the local environment and warm the most romantic of hearts.

The $20 million Regional Events Fund is helping rural and regional communities all across Victoria stage and secure events that bring visitors in their droves, support local communities and show off the best that regional Victoria has to offer.