Artists
Preference is given to artists / performers who align with our vision – to host a premier event of international and national significance that provides an authentic expression of Celtic and Folk culture across the Arts – music, song, dance, theatre, storytelling etc.
The festival encompasses both traditional and contemporary interpretations within the Australian Folk setting and supports the sustainability of the culture in a contemporary context.
PLEASE READ THE ARTISTS GUIDELINES HERE BEFORE APPLYING .
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 3 JANUARY 2025
Stallholders
Great festivals always have great vendors, and NCF is no different!
Eat at your favourite food trucks before shopping from a variety of artisan market vendors, including local creators and Celtic products. If you have never been to the festival before, the site’s outdoor market area is a free area, and is accessible to ticketed festival patrons, day trippers and the community. So even if you don’t have a ticket to the event, you can still come to shop, eat and enjoy!
In addition to vendors, we accept vending applications from clans and associations.
Click on the links below to apply for this years National Celtic Folk Festival.
Please read the guidelines before applying.
Volunteers
We will bring together a cracking crew as we present an event for 2025 - planning is well underway.
Our volunteer teams have always been an enthusiastic, talented, responsible and hard-working crew who maintain the quality of our annual event - they are the heart of the festival!
There are a range of roles across the week-end - the guidelines and application will tell you more about that.
We appreciate everyone’s support over the past few years and are looking forward to seeing you all again soon.
Big thanks from the NCF team - Opens 10/02/2025
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Volunteers Roles
- Getting the site ready - venues, signage, decoration.
- Packing down the site and venues.
Markets Support
- Monitoring and Managing recycling, reusables and waste.
- Working with patrons and across venues.
Rover - monitoring small venues.
Markets area support.
Area Wardens
Site maintenance
Bar Support including - serving drinks (RSA needed), restocking, monitoring bar areas.
Public speaking - introduce artists.
Managing stage areas and backstage.
Ticketing - scanning, wrist banding, ticket purchase.
Selling and Managing Merchandise
Artists & Volunteer Check In
Door Attendance.
Venue Managing.
Venue support.
Green Room support.
Volunteers FAQ's
No. You must arrange accommodation yourself.
But not to worry there are plenty of options in Portarlington to choose from, from onsite camping to luxury bed and breakfast.
Please find information on the different accommodations at Bellarine Visitor Information on 1800 755 611.
We recommend booking accommodation as soon as you have received confirmation of your volunteer application to guarantee yourself a spot.
As a volunteer you get a weekend ticket (Friday 4pn to Monday 3pm) valued at over $200. You get colourful volunteer t-shirt to add to your wardrobe and join a great community of volunteers. While we don’t offer meals, there are some great food stalls to sample each day. And places to syat? Check out the great caravan parks in town offering camping sites for tents and vans.
If you have submitted your volunteer application and you are then unable to make it, let us know ASAP!
Circumstances change and whilst we would have loved to have had you on board, we completely understand.
Email the volunteer coordinator at volunteers@nationalcelticfestival.com if you are no longer able to volunteer after applying.
We will attempt to get your volunteer roster out to you at least a week before we start set up volunteer shifts on the 4th of June.
There is a free shuttle bus that transports volunteers and ticket holders around town in Portarlington.
This bus travels to the festival site.
Discover the Passion
Experience the Culture
Unleash the Spirit
From near and far we gather in the wonderful township of Portarlington to warm the soul, delight the senses, and connect with the festival spirit. Check out last year.
Discover the Passion
Experience the Culture
Unleash the Spirit
From near and far we gather in the wonderful township of Portarlington to warm the soul, delight the senses, and connect with the festival spirit. Check out last year.
Portlarington
Portarlington is a historic coastal town located on the Bellarine Peninsula, about 30km from Geelong. Nestled on the northernmost tip of the Bellarine Peninsula, the seaside town features gorgeous panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay which includes a spectacular view of the You Yang's and on a clear day the Melbourne city skyline.A scenic drive is along The Esplanade which is a coastal route of around 10 km in length that runs alongside the foreshore between Portarlington and the nearby beach towns of Indented Head and St Leonards. There is also a walking or bicycling track along the same route if you are feeling energetic.
