Enjoy…Australia’s biggest and best Celtic festival

The National Celtic Festival is held annually over the June long weekend in Portarlington, Victoria. It is Australia’s largest and most diverse celebration of Celtic music and culture. Each of the five Celtic lands are represented – Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. Every year festival-goers enjoy a huge array of national and international acts of the highest calibre. The family-friendly festival also prides itself on an incredibly diverse program of performances and workshops in a variety of Celtic disciplines, including dance, song, poetry and language.

Absorb…The Setting

This is the festival’s seventh year in beautiful Portarlington, Victoria. A warm welcome awaits visitors to this picturesque township which sits nestled between some of Australia’s best vineyards and the tranquil waters of Corio Bay. Everything is within walking distance and easily accessible in this small community. Make sure you stop a while to chat with the friendly local people and take in the glorious views across the bay to the You Yangs and Melbourne skyline.

Feel…The Music

Enjoy a packed program of musical acts from Friday night through to Monday afternoon. From traditional to contemporary, haunting soloists to raucous bands and everything in between. The festival showcases Celtic music in all its diverse forms and crossover styles

Admire…The Dance

Unleash your inner Lord of the Dance as passionate performers and experienced tutors from across the nation get your feet moving in the various Celtic styles. Then bring your new-found skills to the social event of the festival – the Ceili (pronounced ‘Kaylee’), a massive Celtic dance party lead by the best Ceili band in Australia.

Learn…The Workshops

Take away more from the festival than just a great time. If you’ve always dreamed of learning to play an instrument, compose a ballad or speak with a native Gaelic tongue here is your chance. There is a range of workshops on offer, for adults and kids, run by experienced tutors.

Jam…The Sessions

Join great musicians and singers as they gather over the weekend at the session bars. You never know who you might share a tune with!

Warm up…The Venues

Cosy and heated, the festival’s venues are all within walking distance. There’s a great pub with open fires, the Wine Bar, a heritage restaurant, Portarlington’s historic churches and more. All welcoming and comfortable venues where you can sit back and listen to great music all weekend.

Browse...The Markets

Undercover and full of Celtic treasures and crafts the market stalls also offer a variety of foods to sustain even the hungriest reveller throughout the festival as well as fresh local produce to take home and enjoy. Set amongst the market is the Village Stage where you can get a free taste of the festival’s wonderful musical program.