Musical acts from near and far ready to return to Celtic Festival stage

FEW musical partnerships can claim to have survived nearly two decades of marriage, international touring and life on the road.

For Hat Fitz and Cara, making music together has been part of the journey since the pair met in an Irish pub in 2007.

The blues and roots duo have spent years performing across Australia and overseas, building a loyal following through their energetic live shows and distinctive blend of folk, gospel and blues.

This long weekend they will return to the Bellarine as part of the National Celtic Folk Festival, a festival they say remains one of their favourites.

Singer Cara Robinson said she was looking forward to returning to Portarlington after a three-year absence.

“This festival is a really beautiful,” she said. “It’s one of those unique festivals that has it really embraces Celtic culture.

There’s tartan, food, bagpipes and it’s on the coast in this beautiful setting.

“The whole town just gets behind it and there is a real good vibe. It’s a bit of a party for the whole weekend.”

The setting, clear skies and cold breezes, she said, brings a familiar sense of home too.

Robinson said one of the highlights of the weekend was the opportunity to catch up with fellow performers and discover new music.

“You can get out and see so many different artists because there are acts on all the way through into the night,” she said.

“Claymore is always a big favourite there. We always go and see Claymore and sometimes we pop up on stage with them.”

For locals who have never attended, Robinson described the festival as a family-friendly event with a strong community atmosphere and something for everyone to enjoy.

As for Hat Fitz and Cara’s own performances, Robinson said audiences could expect an energetic show blending blues, folk, roots and gospel influences.

“It’s quite an electric live experience,” she said. “It’s just the two of us, but I think we make enough noise.”

Hat Fitz and Cara will perform on each day of the festival and host a workshop on Sunday. They are one of 60 acts scheduled to take to the stage across the event.

The National Celtic Folk Festival runs from 5-8 June in Portarlington.

For more information, visit nationalcelticfestival.com