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February 1, 2010 Beoga makes Aussie debut and Bogle back by popular demand, so book early for this year’s festival! A Scottish-Australian songwriting genius and an Irish group riding a phenomenal wave of success are just two of the acts performing at this year’s National Celtic Festival. Across the long-weekend, June 11-14, the beautiful Victorian seaside town of Portarlington will again play host to the sights and sounds of Australia’s largest and most diverse celebration of all things Celtic. Discounted earlybird tickets are on sale now and excited organisers are busy finalising an incredible line-up of entertainment with over 40 national and international acts performing a mix of traditional and cross-over musical styles to suit every age and taste. From Friday evening until Monday afternoon the fun will be non-stop with concerts, gigs, jam-sessions and dance spectaculars at a variety of cosy, heated venues, all within easy walking distance. There will also be pipe bands from across the country; roving performers, children’s entertainment, a Celtic market and the chance to learn anything from bagpipe-playing to reciting Gaelic poetry in one of the many expertly run workshops. Now in its eighth year at Portarlington, festival director Una McAlinden says last year’s festival surpassed all expectations with a record number of people attending. “We received the most amazing feedback from people who come back to our festival year after year, who tell us it’s just getting better; and those that came for the first time, who were delighted by the diversity of what we have on offer,” she says. Ms McAlinden says she put the call out on the Internet’s micro-blogging service Twitter, asking Celtic music fans to tell her who they wanted to see at this year’s festival and the result was virtually unanimous. “Beoga was the top of everyone’s wish list. Internationally the vibe about this group is ‘if you could bring anyone out to Australia, bring these guys’!” The Irish ensemble – whose name is Irish for “lively” – are the hottest thing on the scene right now, with their unique fusion of traditional Celtic rhythms, interwoven with the sounds of jazz, swing, blues – even New Orleans jamboree. “It’s a real coup that Beoga are coming here for their first Australian visit,” Ms McAlinden says. “Their music is amazing, it makes you feel like dancing.” Another of the festival’s headlining acts makes a welcome return after a few years absence from the program. Eric Bogle is the Scotsman-downunder whose status as one of the world’s finest singer/songwriters has been earned with such timeless songs as ‘And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda’, ‘Leaving Nancy’ and ‘Nobody’s Moggy Now’. “Eric’s a legend and he’s returning by popular demand,” Ms McAlinden explains. “Every time Eric has played at our festival the venue is packed to full capacity. We’re so excited he’s coming back.” Ms McAlinden says festival organisers have also made improvements to the Portarlington site this year including the addition of a large, heated undercover space for people to gather, chat, eat and regroup for the next concert, performance or workshop. The festival’s many food stalls will also be staying open until late, catering to those attending evening gigs. “People tell us they’re loving what we do and the warm, friendly vibe that Portarlington offers, but every year we are tweaking the format to make it even better.” The full line-up of acts at this year’s National Celtic Festival will be announced in early March. Earlybird tickets are now on sale until April 30. To get your tickets phone GPAC on (03) 5225 1200 or visit www.nationalcelticfestival.com today. For more information please contact Rochelle Smith (Media Contact) 0409 995 638 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Shannon Stevenson (Moo Media) 0412 802 764 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Una McAlinden (Festival Director) 0403 192631 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website www.nationalcelticfestival.com |
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