Celtic Folk Festival sings out for volunteers

THE National Celtic Folk Festival is tuning up for a third attempt to stage the annual event in as many years, and is singing out for volunteers.

Set to finally go ahead in Portarlington on the June 10-13 long weekend, organisers have invited anyone who wants to help out to make their applications now.

The festival presents some of the best folk and Celtic live acts in Australia each year, but was not held in 2020 or 2021 because of COVID-19 complications.

“It’s all systems go,” National Celtic Folk Festival director Una McAlinden said.

“We’re rebuilding from where it started. There’s challenges and a whole lot of exciting stuff, but it is a matter of pulling it all together, for sure.”

She said the festival would need about 250 volunteers for it to run smoothly.

“In a way, we’re starting again because there’s been a lot of changes over the three years – some of the arts industry have gone out of business, some of the acts are not playing any more, some of the stall holders are no longer there – so it is a bit of starting again, but the interest and support that’s been expressed so far, that’s really encouraging.

“Building up those volunteer lists would make us feel a bit better.

“Volunteers can come and be part of a great experience, and make friends for life – I’ve heard of volunteers visiting their new friends all over Australia. It’s a really diverse group.”

According to the festival’s website, volunteers are expected to be available for a minimum of eight hours’ work and up to 10 hours throughout the four days of the festival, and will be scheduled at least two shifts.

Priority will be given to volunteers with flexibility in their availability or able to work an extra two-hour shift if needed.

Volunteers aged between 18 and 75 years can apply – the age limit is a condition of the festival’s volunteer insurance policy.

A good general level of fitness is required, as standing, lifting, carrying and/or walking is involved in most volunteer roles.

Held in winter, the festival is regarded as Australia’s premier celtic folk festival and typically attracts more 18,000 people to the region each year.

The festival uses a range of venues within Portarlington, including community halls and spaces, the hotel, restaurants, cafes and churches, and marquees are also set up on the
foreshore.

An information session for volunteers will be held in Portarlington in late May.

For more information, or to sign up, email [email protected] or head to the National Celtic Folk Festival website.