Celtic fest back in full swing

Siohban Owen will be performing at the National Celtic Folk Festival over the long weekend. (Ivan Kemp) 285644_33

The 19th National Celtic Folk Festival hits Portarlington over the long weekend and more than 17,000 people are expected for the multiday event.

The program is packed full of culture, folk and traditions including Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Breton, Galician and Asturian cultures.

Highlights include bush dances, heavy games, Celtic martial arts, ceilis, live theatre, pipe bands, workshops and, new in 2023, hurling.

“As the biggest Celtic festival in Australia, we pride ourselves on bringing in new, fresh performers for festival goers to enjoy,” festival director Una McAlinden said.

“This is the first year, since COVID, that we are back full tilt and we are

ready to host more international and national artists this year.”

The festival kicks off on Friday June 9 and continues through the weekend to Monday June 12.

See nationalcelticfestival.com for tickets and more information.