HEAVY GAMES
All EVENTS
HIGHLAND CATTLE
The Celtic Kitchen
Special Masterclass
Location: Session Bar
Saturday June 6th 11am - 12pm
Enjoy a special masterclass with acclaimed Irish chef Declan McGovern where you can see his expertise in action through a range of delicious, accessible recipes including locally inspired seafood chowder and the much loved Irish Soda bread.
Celtic Cook Off
Location: Session Bar
Sunday June 7th 12.30pm -1.30pm
Join us for the launch of the Celtic Cook Off bringing a lively edge to the program with a spirited showdown between an Irish chef and a Scottish chef (who also happens to be one of the Festival’s much-loved singers). Hosted by Simon Toohey and supported by Geelong City Markets, this event promises plenty of flavour, fun, and friendly rivalry.
The Morning After the Craic
Location: Clubroom
Monday June 8th 10am - 12pm
The program concludes on Monday morning in the Clubroom with The Morning After the Craic at 10am - a hearty Irish breakfast feast designed to ease audiences out of a weekend of music, dance, and late nights. (This event requires an additional ticket)
Workshops & Masterclasses
Our program gives Festival-goers the chance to connect with top-notch musicians, educators and organisers who are at the heart of the music scene, along with experts in diverse areas of Celtic cultural engagement and scholarly endeavour.
If you’ve always dreamed of playing the Fiddle, blowing a bagpipe, learning some Gaelic or performing a sword dance with your family then here is your chance.
We create rich and diverse ways for participants to engage in tuition with a great range of workshops on offer, for all ages, and delivered by experienced tutors and masters of their craft.
Or if you're eager to have a wee try - head to a come and try session!
Victorian Irish Dance Academy
Victorian Irish Dance Academy presents a family-friendly workshop open to all ages and abilities — an inclusive and fun experience designed to get everyone moving, learning and connecting through the fun of traditional Irish dance together.
Linn Phipps Waulking songs from the Isle of Lewis
Discover the lively tradition of tweed-waulking songs from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Hebrides. Traditionally sung by groups of women while softening newly woven cloth, these rhythmic Gaelic work songs are rich in history, energy and community spirit. No prior knowledge of Gaelic is needed .
Flute Playing in the North of Ireland with Brendan Mulholland
Flute Playing in the North of Ireland with Brendan Mulholland — an exploration of the distinctive style, rhythm and repertoire of Northern Irish flute playing, including ornamentation, phrasing techniques, regional influences and the rich musical traditions that continue to shape this vibrant and expressive art form today.
Family
The Festival is a celebration for all ages, with a vibrant Family program designed to delight children and adults alike. From storytelling sessions and interactive workshops to lively performances, there’s something to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection at every turn.
Across the grounds families can explore bustling markets, enjoy delicious bites from food vans, and soak up the atmosphere of outdoor dance stages and roving performers - including the unmistakable sound of pipers weaving through the crowd. Our popular Come & Try sessions invite kids (and the young at heart) to see, touch, and play a range of instruments they may never have encountered before, offering a hands-on introduction to Celtic music and culture.
Come & Try Session
Session Bar
Sunday 10am - 12pm
Dance Workshops
Dance Stage
Sat & Sun morning from 10am
Family Ceili
Parks Hall
Saturday 12.30pm - 2pm
The Club Room & Sunday 4.30 - 6.30
Balla Wiin – Spirit of Country
Other highlights include Balla Wiin – Spirit of Country, a powerful, interactive shadow play storytelling experience grounded in the living traditions of Wadawurrung Country - inviting audiences to gather, listen, and connect. And if it’s the sea calling, climb aboard the visiting tall ship and set sail on a unique maritime adventure.
Adding to the magic are encounters with Highland cattle, open spaces to roam, and a welcoming festival vibe full of colour, music and smiles. Whether you’re dancing together, discovering something new, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the Family program makes the festival an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Theatre & Spoken Word
The Festival is more than a music festival - it is a celebration of theatre, literature, storytelling, and cultural exchange. Across the program, audiences are invited to experience a rich and diverse offering where music, theatre, poetry, and language sit side by side, showcasing the full spectrum of Celtic creativity.
This year the festival expands with some powerful theatrical works and live storytelling. Catch these performances at our new venue, the Hidden Nook (at the school).
With world-class artists from Australia and overseas, the theatre program reflects the Festival’s commitment to developing and presenting original work that goes beyond performance - creating space for shared stories, cultural dialogue, and meaningful connection with audiences.
Michael Veitch - Hell Ship: The Journey of the Ticonderoga
Saturday 7pm - 8.30pm at The Hidden Nook (in the school)
Sunday 4.30pm - 6pm at The Hidden Nook (in the school)
After touring Australia to critical acclaim, Michael Veitch brings HELL SHIP to the National Celtic Folk Festival 2026.
Step aboard the emigrant clipper Ticonderoga on its infamous 1852 voyage to Australia. With over 800 passengers - many Highland Scots - seeking a new life, the journey turned tragic when typhus tore through the overcrowded decks. More than 200 lives were lost before the ship limped into Port Phillip Bay, quarantined at Point Nepean.
Now, one of Australia’s most loved personalities, Michael Veitch, brings this extraordinary story to life - one that is deeply personal. The young ship’s doctor at the centre of the story was Veitch’s own great-great-grandfather.
Told from the doctor’s perspective, fifty years later on a stormy Melbourne night in 1902, HELL SHIP is a powerful story of survival, resilience, and love.
Accompanied live by his son Tom on cello and vocals, Veitch delivers a moving blend of storytelling and music that resonates across generations.
Never Always Ever Was by Fleur Murphy
Saturday 4.30pm - 6pm at The Hidden Nook (in the school)
Sunday 7pm - 8.30pm at The Hidden Nook (in the school)
After a year in development, Never Always Ever Was will premiere at the Festival.
Bringing a powerful international new work to the coastal communities that mirror its landscapes and tensions, the production connects deeply with the region’s identity and lived experience.
Written by Melbourne playwright Fleur Murphy, Never Always Ever Was is presented by the Festival in collaboration with Northern Ireland’s c21 Theatre Company. This cross-cultural one-act play explores climate change, migration, and legacy through an Irish-Australian lens, bringing together a high-calibre ensemble of Australian and international artists.
Blending theatre with live music performed on stage, the work deepens its emotional resonance and cultural texture, creating a rich and immersive theatrical experience.
Set against a backdrop of shifting coastlines, it reflects the shared challenges facing coastal communities across the Geelong region and beyond. At its heart, it is a story of place, memory, and the quiet acts of care that shape our future. Performed as a dynamic two-hander featuring Richard Clements (Northern Ireland) and Amanda LaBonte (Geelong), the work captures the resilience of communities living alongside the sea and the ties that bind them.
Returning to the Festival, where its development began, Never Always Ever Was marks a powerful homecoming - a major milestone for the production and a reflection of the Festival’s ongoing commitment to nurturing new cultural works.
PORT FAIRY
Lecture Hall, Port Fairy Theatre Group
Tuesday June 9, 7.30pm
Tickets: $25
ANGLESEA
Anglesea Memorial HallWednesday June 10, 7.30pmTickets: $25
MELBOURNE
LaMama Theatre
Friday June 12 - Sunday June 14th, 7.30pm
Tickets $20
Dark Tales by Christine Grace
Saturday 12.30 - 1.30pm at The Hidden Nook (in the school)
Sunday 2pm - 3pm at The Hidden Nook (in the school)
Dark Tales, crafted by award-winning screenwriter, playwright, and actor Christine Grace, is an inventive reimagining of classic fairy tales inspired by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Told by the character of “The Washerwoman,” the stories take listeners in unexpected directions, exploring contemporary themes of jealousy, relationships, and death, reminiscent of ancient oral storytelling. Published by Brolly Books with illustrations by internationally acclaimed artist Wendy Straw, Dark Tales and 7 Mor Dark Tales are designed for older teens and adults, offering a haunting, imaginative experience that blends literary craft with theatrical storytelling mastery.
Shapeshifter by Janine McKenzie
Saturday 1.45pm - 2.30 at the The Hidden Nook (in the school)
Project Connect presents a one-woman work-in-progress exploring the selkie myth, using contemporary movement, character transformation, and scripted text to tell a universal story about discovering one’s true form in a world that seeks to shape us. Directed by Stacey Carmichael and developed with actor-director Janine McKenzie, the piece engages audiences with themes of identity and connection.
The performance will include a post-show Q&A to discuss the creative process and content, with the goal of evolving into a full-scale production for 2027.
Visual Art at The Lantern
Explore a dynamic celebration of creativity with visual arts that inspire.
This year’s festival features special projects including Balla Wiin – Spirit of Country.
Festival goers are invited to gather, listen, and connect through Balla Wiin – Spirit of Country, a powerful storytelling experience grounded in Wadawurrung Country on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Since the beginning of time, the story of the Eel and the Snake has been told and retold by Wadawurrung people - a story of Spirit, of life born from the ocean and tides, and of Kuran Eata, the continuing and connecting life force that flows through Country.
Led by respected Wadawurrung man Barry Gilson, people will be guided through this ancient and living story on Country. He is joined by artist Mary French, who brings the narrative to life through light, shadow, and puppetry beneath the night sky, with support from Gillian Turner, Jayne Collins, and local young people in a shared community expression.
Balla Wiin – Spirit of Country is an invitation to listen deeply, reflect, and connect with the continuing cultural knowledge and presence of Wadawurrung people.
From installations to interactive pieces, this part of the Festival offers a visual journey that engages all the senses.
Free Community Puppet Making Workshops - Join the creative team for the shadow and light performance of Balla Wiin – Spirit of Country - find us at The Lantern ( nr the festival office )
Hurling
Underage clinic - 10am to 11am (up the street)
Camogie game - 12:15 to 1 (at footy ground)
Geelong Gaels Hurling vs St Kevin’s Hurling game - 1:15 to 2:15 (at footy ground)
Alongside the heavy events, hurling brings speed, skill, and fierce competition to the field. One of Ireland’s most exhilarating sports, it adds a fast-paced edge to the weekend’s sporting program and showcases the strength and spirit of Celtic athletic tradition.
Enjoy hurling demonstrations, mini-games, and skill sessions for fans and newcomers alike. For adults, don’t miss the full match - in 2026, catch Geelong GAA take on a Melbourne opponent in an unforgettable display of speed, skill, and tradition.
The Heavy Games
This is where things get loud - and a little epic - as elite competitors go head-to-head in a national championship play-off, raising the stakes and drawing the crowd right into the action.
Running across the weekend, the Festival hosts a national competition bringing together competitors from across Australia to contest traditional heavy events. Expect power, precision, and plenty of atmosphere as athletes take on the hammer throw, sheaf toss, and the crowd-favourite caber toss in a display of strength and skill.
Saturday 6th June
10.00am Light Weight for Distance Pitch 1
11.00am Heavy Weight for Distance Pitch 1
12.00pm Braemar Pitch 1
12.45pm Open Stone
1.30pm Australian Caber Championship QUALIFYER Pitch 1
Sunday 7th June
10.00am Light Hammer Throw Foreshore
11.15am Heavy Hammer Throw Foreshore
12.30pm Weight over Bar Pitch 1
1.30pm Australian Caber Championship FINAL Pitch 1
Dance
Dance and cultural traditions sit at the heart of the Festival, bringing energy, connection, and celebration across the entire weekend. Whether you choose to watch, take part, or do a bit of both, the dance program offers something for everyone.
From vibrant performances and participatory céilís to inclusive workshops, audiences are warmly invited to step in or simply enjoy the spectacle. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an accomplished performer, there’s a place for you here — with experiences designed to get everyone moving, learning, and sharing in the joy of Celtic dance.
Inspired by our dynamic performers — from first-timers to national champions — the program showcases everything from foundational steps through to elite technique. It’s a celebration of movement, rhythm, and shared experience, where you can be part of the action or simply soak up the atmosphere.
The dance Stage will be running all weekend.
Workshops and performances can be found at a variety of venues.
Gathering at the Hearth
Friday June 5th 6.45pm - 7pm - Welcome to Country with Barry J Gilson
Gathering at the Hearth is a cherished and enduring tradition of the Festival — a beautiful central gathering place that sits at the heart of the festival across all four days.
The hearth fire is our place of welcome, beginning with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Indigenous storyteller Barry J Gilson. From this opening moment, it remains a living, shared space throughout the festival - a place for people to come together, connect, and share stories from the weekend.
This celebrates community, tradition, and the timeless act of sharing tales around the fire and is a grounding presence at the centre of the festival experience.
Swordplay
Celebrating 15 years since their first appearance at the National Celtic Folk Festival, The Glen Lachlann Estate College of Arms (GLECA) hosts a National Longsword and Backsword Tournament across Saturday and Sunday, bringing together some of the finest swordspeople in the country.
Across the weekend, expect fast-paced bouts, longsword and backsword competition, and dynamic demonstrations of skill and precision. The event builds to a thrilling team pairs finale, showcasing strategy, strength, and tradition at their peak.
It’s a rare opportunity to witness historical European martial arts brought to life - up close, high intensity, and full of energy.
You’ll find them in the Festival Hub, parkside of the Village Tavern.
Saturday
10am Longsword tournament preliminary rounds
11:30am Come-and-try sessions open to the public
12pm Steel exhibition bouts
1pm Longsword tournament preliminary rounds
2:30pm Longsword tournament finals
3pm Come-and-try sessions open to the public
Sunday
10am Black Garter tournament round 1
11:30am Come-and-try sessions open to the public
12pm Steel exhibition bouts
1:30pm Black Garter tournament finals
2:30pm Come-and-try sessions open to the public
3pm Cutting demonstration
Pipes & Drums
Pipes and drums take centre stage across the weekend, with massed bands, competitions, concerts, and workshops bringing spectacle, precision, and stirring sound to the Festival. Festival audiences can experience world-class performances, take part in hands-on workshops, and witness thrilling competitions where skill, tradition, and artistry meet.
Highlights of the 2026 piping program include appearances from reigning Australian Champions Hawthorn Pipe Band, alongside the Victorian Pipers Association proudly presenting the Gordon Duncan Memorial Piping Competition - a flagship invitational event and one of the most anticipated highlights of the Festival.
From the soaring melodies of the pipes to the driving rhythms of the drums, this is Celtic piping at its finest - an immersive experience that resonates long after the Festival ends.