Celtic celebrations enlivens Portarlington

CELTIC culture was on full display over the King’s Birthday long weekend as the 19th National Celtic Folk Festival returned to Portarlington’s shores.

Festival director Una McAlinden said it was the first time since 2019 the four-day event operated with no pandemic related restrictions.

“It definitely made things easier without having restrictions in place,” Ms McAlinden said.

“It allowed us to bring international acts down to the festival this year creating a huge positive vibe, many people were saying it was the best festival yet, which is always a bit of a goal of ours each year.”

Major highlights of the festival included bush dances, Celtic martial arts, heavy games featuring the world’s strongest athletes, ceilis, live theatre, pipe bands, workshops and, for the first time at the festival, hurling, which was created in Geelong 160 years ago.

“In addition to perfect weather, it was terrific to see people of all age demographics getting amongst the festivities this year,” Ms McAlinden said.

“There was a full line-up of musicians, both established international acts and up-and-coming artists, it was a real celebration of the Celtic music community.

“We certainly got a lot of things right this year.”

The National Celtic Folk Festival returns to Portarlington for its 20th year in 2024 from June 7-10.