Ireland comes to the Bellarine for blockbuster folk festival

THE organisers of the National Celtic Folk Festival are promising the biggest celebration of Irish culture yet, as the beloved annual event prepares to return to Portarlington next month.

To be held over the June long weekend, this year’s festival features a jam-packed program of music, dance, theatre and storytelling events, hosted at venues across Portarlington.

Festival director Una McAlinden said, now a week out, this year’s event already had “amazing energy”.

“It’s a festival that every single age loves; children to grandparents, it’s multi-generational and I think it’s a good opportunity for people to get together and have a great day or a great weekend.”

She said the festival had a massive heart that had bounced back stronger than ever after the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The heartbeat of the festival is not going anywhere; it’s beating strongly. We are genuine in our connection to culture and people can see that, and that’s why we attract artists from all over Australia and the world.”

She pointed to the return of the Heavy Games, the festival’s partnership with Irish art exporter Culture Island that will see four “craicing” acts take to the stage, and the attendance of some Highland Cattle, as some of this year’s highlights.

For the first time in its more than 20-year history, the festival will also include a hurling match between teams from Geelong and Melbourne, in what promises to be a high-intensity showcase of skill and power.

As part of the festival’s offering of free activities, which is extensive, visitors will be able to wander more than 80 market stalls, grab a pint of Guinness at the session bar, participate in ancient rituals by open fires and take in some Gaelic football.

This free offering, Ms McAlinden said, was motivated by the organising committee’s desire to offer a great program that is inclusive.

“We don’t want to be an exclusive event where, if you can’t afford a ticket, you can’t come and there’s a fence around us.

“We want to share culture. We want people to come down and be part of it and go away warmed up with their connection.”

The National Celtic Folk Festival runs from June 6 to June 9.

For more information, head to nationalcelticfestival.com