Celtic Folk Festival back in full swing

AUSTRALIA’S biggest Celtic festival returns to Portarlington today (Friday, June 9) for four days of culture, folk and traditions for the first time in four years.

The annual National Celtic Folk Festival (NCFF) is back on the Bellarine for its 19th year this long weekend with a full line-up of entertainment on over for an expected 17,000 residents and visitors.

“We are back in full flight with a jam-packed program of events with international and national acts ascending on Portarlington,” festival director Una McAlinden said.

“We cannot wait to showcase the region to people from all over Australia. The sun is meant to be shining all weekend, so let’s get the party started.”

This year’s proceedings will be the first year, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival will run with no restrictions.

Attendees at the festival, running from June 9-12, woll see an abundance of activities inspired by Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Breton, Galician and Asturian cultures.

“Some highlights include bush dances, heavy games, Celtic martial arts, ceilis, live theatre, pipe bands, workshops and, new in 2023, hurling,” Ms McAlinden said.

“As the biggest Celtic festival in Australia, we pride ourselves on bringing in new, fresh performers and activities for festival goers to enjoy.”

The South Pacific Heavy Game Championships are also taking part at the festival, featuring the heavy stone throw, the weight over the bar and the caber toss; a crowd favourite.

The first artists released for this year’s festival were announced in February, and included Daoirí Farrell (Ireland), Sorcha Costello, Conor Connolly and Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill (Ireland), Colin Lillie (Alice Springs) and Charm of Finches (Melbourne).

Since then, acts like The Go Set, Claymore, Zeon and Bo’Ness have also been added to the program.

“It really feels like the festival has arrived,” Ms McAlinden said.

“We nearly have our full line-up locked in and are excited to unveil some of the new and upgraded features of this year’s event.”

To purchase any remaining tickets, head to nationalcelticfestival.com