The countdown is on for the biggest craic in the southern hemisphere as the National Celtic Festival gets set to take over the coastal town of Portarlington this long-weekend, June 10-13.
Now in its ninth year at the beautiful seaside village on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, the National Celtic Festival is proudly the largest and most diverse celebration of Celtic music and culture this side of the equator.
This year organizers have pulled out all stops, gathering together a line-up of acts of unprecedented calibre, and assembling some of the most interesting elements of Celtic culture to tickle the fancy of the thousands who flock to this family-friendly event.
One of the unusual inclusions this year is ‘The Coming of the Quaich’. This traditional Scottish communal drinking vessel, used to share a “wee dram” among friends, will make a special stop at Portarlington as part of its two-year-long world tour. Those who partake of the Quaich are invited to sign the accompanying logbook, post a photo online and view the map showing the Quaich’s extensive travels.
Is this a dagger I see before me? May be a line uttered by the practitioners from The Glen Lachlann Estate College of Arms. This Celtic branch of Western Martial Arts will be displaying its historical fencing techniques and holding competitions at the festival, including longsword, short sword, sabre, rapier and dual weapons.
Young maidens beware! The ‘Obby ‘Oss will be appearing over the weekend trying to catch you as it goes by adorned with gruesome mask and black cloak. This ancient tradition originated in Padstow, Cornwall where the ‘Obby ‘Oss (Cornish dialect for ‘Hobby Horse’) Festival is held annually to celebrate the coming of spring.
Festival director Una McAlinden said this year’s program was by far the festival’s best yet. “The calibre of bands, both internationally and nationally, is the best ever, and the sheer diversity of cultural experiences available is incredible. People are going to be blown away,” Ms McAlinden said.
Transportation to the National Celtic Festival also gets interesting this year, with the historic replica tall ship Enterprize providing unique seafaring passage to and from the festival and even overnight accommodation onboard ship (details at www.enterprize.org.au ). The Enterprize is also one of the many wonderfully atmospheric venues at the festival from which to enjoy world-class Celtic music.
Meanwhile, Searoad Ferries has a special offer for those coming across the bay from the Mornington Peninsula to nearby Queenscliff – passengers in a car will travel free when they present their National Celtic Festival ticket (details at www.searoad.com.au ).
But it’s the music that really drives this festival, and whether you’re a hard-core traditionalist, partygoer, or just a family looking for a fun weekend, this year’s program truly has something to suit all ages and music tastes.
The incredible international line-up includes arguably the world’s most popular Celtic-folk band, Solas (US), performing in Australia exclusively at the National Celtic Festival; the “pure dead brilliant” Scottish fiddle of Hanneke Cassel Trio (US); edgy contemporary singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy (Ireland); Scottish Gaelic songstress Christine Primrose (Isle of Skye); and two cultures unite with hot young duo Sophie & Fiachra (Canada/Ireland).
While the Australian contingent will be well-represented by loads of festival favourites and fresh new faces, including The Bushwackers; Sunas; Maria Forde; McAlpine’s Fusiliers; Jimmy Moore & Claddagh; Catherine Fraser & Friends; Highlander; Oriel Glennen; George Jackson Band; Siobhan Owen, Riogh, just to name a few.
“This festival’s profile has grown to the point that it now attracts a great number of people from interstate and overseas,” Ms McAlinden said. “Not just those who want to enjoy the fantastic music and cultural experiences, but also performers, tour managers, specialty groups, embassies – this is a festival that truly brings people together.”
Among the many highlights on this year’s program will be the Celtic Pipes & Drums spectacular featuring hundreds of pipers and drummers gathered from across the country. Also the festival’s own National Golden Fiddle Awards; Celtic comedy shows; a huge singing program; and a treat for fans and players of traditional Celtic music and dance with all new ‘Trad Conference Sessions’ run by specialists in their genres.
The National Celtic Festival is also unique in offering visitors the opportunity to truly become a part of the festival community. Take part in the limerick writing competition; see if you have the puff for bagpipe lessons; discover your own Celtic heritage; then join in the family-friendly fun of the festival’s famous Ceili dance party. Taking part in any of the festival’s many expertly-run workshops for adults and kids is included in the ticket price.
From full-scale concerts with the world’s most popular Celtic bands, to intimate acoustic sessions in front of an open fire with a pint of Guinness or glass of local wine in hand – all festival venues are cosily heated and located within easy walking distance around the town centre. While the undercover Celtic market will house over 80 stalls bursting with Celtic treasures, delicious food and local produce to take home.
Links
- National Celtic Festival website: www.nationalcelticfestival.com
- Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/group.php
- Twitter Page: twitter.com/CelticFestival
- Online Ticket Sales: purchase.tickets.com/GPAC
