National Celtic Festival 2024

About:
Annually held in Portarlington, a coastal town in Victoria, Australia, The National Celtic Festival is a cultural event that celebrates the music, dance, and cultural traditions.

The festival features a diverse program of performances, workshops, and activities, including traditional music, dance, and storytelling, as well as contemporary Celtic-inspired music and fusion performances. The festival also offers a range of food and drink stalls, arts and crafts markets, and other cultural activities, making it a vibrant celebration of Celtic culture.

The National Celtic Festival was first held in 2002 and has since grown to become one of the most significant Celtic festivals in Australia, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Famous For:
The festival showcases a wide range of traditional Celtic music from the seven Celtic nations, including Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Galicia, and the Isle of Man. The festival also features contemporary Celtic-inspired music and fusion performances.

Creation Purpose:
The National Celtic Festival was founded by a group of local residents in Portarlington, who wanted to preserve the cultural heritage of the Celtic nations. The founders recognized the importance of celebrating and preserving Celtic traditions and creating opportunities for people to come together to share their love of Celtic music, dance, and culture.

The festival's first Artistic Director, Una McAlinden, was instrumental in bringing the festival to life. McAlinden, a musician and dancer herself, had a deep appreciation for Celtic culture and was dedicated to promoting and preserving it in Australia.

Fun Facts:
The festival is held over the June long weekend, which is a public holiday in most Australian states and territories.

The festival's program includes more than 100 acts across six stages, making it one of the largest Celtic festivals in Australia.

The festival's program includes a range of workshops and classes for all ages.

Impact on the Music Industry:
The National Celtic Festival has helped to raise awareness and appreciation of Celtic music and culture in Australia, while also supporting the development of emerging artists and promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.