Rising costs bite, but funding boost secures Celtic festival

THE National Celtic Folk Festival has secured a state government funding boost, helping lock in its future as costs continue to climb for major community events.

The Portarlington festival is one of more than 75 organisations to share in $620,000 through the multicultural festival and events program, aimed at supporting cultural events across Victoria.

The funding comes at a time when organisers are facing increasing pressure from rising production and operating costs, with support helping to maintain free and low-cost elements of the program.

Australia’s largest Celtic festival returns to Portarlington each June, spanning the foreshore and venues across the town. The program includes live music, poetry, food, markets, workshops and children’s activities.

Festival director Una McAlinden said the funding would help sustain the event’s community focus.

“This allows us to continue offering and delivering an inclusive, community-driven celebration of arts and culture,” she said.

“For us, this funding will support all the free activities we have at the festival. We want to offer a lot to the community that is high quality, fun and free.

“The whole town will be pumping and be a hive of activity throughout the whole weekend.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the festival remained an important drawcard for the region.

“I’m proud to support events like the National Celtic Folk Festival, which bring people to the Bellarine Peninsula and shine a light on our local venues and businesses,” she said.

“It’s a great chance for locals and visitors to come together, share in the culture and connect as a community.”

The 2026 National Celtic Folk Festival will be held from 5 to 8 June.

For more information, head to nationalcelticfestival.com