ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Fáilte to the National Celtic and Folk Festival!
Founded by culture and ignited by passion, the first National Celtic Festival took place 40 years ago in Geelong.
The first festival was started out of a desire to connect to Celtic culture, to bring people together and to celebrate celts in Australia. In its inaugural year, the event focused on classic Celtic celebrations, including foot-stomping music, good food and great craic.
Over the last 20 years, the festival has taken on a new form while staying true to its homage. After a significant move to Portarlington in 2004, the National Celtic Folk Festival has become a winter staple in the small, historic town, taking place over the June long weekend every year. Spanning over ten venues, the event now includes a wide variety of activities including Irish and Scottish ceili, bush dances, theatre, pipes and drums, Celtic martial arts and most recently, the Heavy Games.
Music in the air, and the bustling energy all contribute to the magical atmosphere of the event.
It's truly heartening to hear that your attendees have become like an extended family over the course of more than two decades.
It's not just an annual gathering; it's a tradition, a part of people's lives that they eagerly anticipate and return to year after year. Such traditions are rare and precious, creating lasting memories and connections that span generations.
Connecting through the stories of ancestors and the richness of Celtic Culture is what gives meaning to this mighty celebration.
To all our artists who have come to perform and share their talents, knowledge and passion; and to all of our festival community who have come along to be entertained, participate, and explore all that is on offer we hope that you are touched and inspired by the spirit of Celtic culture.
The festival is run by a group of passionate, and committed community members, who spend countless hours preparing for the festival each year. Many committee members have been involved for 10+ years and are the soul of the festival.
As a not for profit organisation and volunteer run event we bring together a volunteer team of over 200 extraordinary people who play such an important role in this event - this is a mighty team of festival ambassadors.
As festival organisers we recognise the significance of the land on which the festival is held to the indigenous people of the area and in collaboration with local elders have developed means to acknowledge this in a meaningful way.