About our festival
New talents to discover, old crafts to explore
The best in celtic
& folk music
The festival offers a dynamic program that is constantly informed by Celtic influences and cross-cultural work but is equally responsive to our contemporary and folk experiences - showcasing the best of Celtic culture and Folk from across Australia, as well as internationally.
The music program offers a broad range of exciting experiences including music concerts, workshops, displays and forums.
Theatre, Words, Story
Not just a great music festival, but a great festival of theatre! The festival is committed to developing a rich and broad arts festival, where the performing and literary arts feel right at home within our festival program.
“We have been true to our commitment of deeply engaging with Celtic culture through an exploration of language, literature, poetry and theatre. What has emerged is a real thirst for such a program, attracting interest from a broad spectrum of audiences, and artists of such high caliber from Australia and overseas.”
—Jim Lawson, Vessel Theatre Company.
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.
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.
New talents to discover, Old crafts to explore
The program represents a diverse range of art forms – Music, Visual Arts, Theatre Dance, Literature, Story, Language, Ceremony, Song and Choir, History and Heritage, Roving Performances, Demonstrations, ancient ceremony and rituals around open fires, highland cattle exhibitions, Heavy Games, Gaelic Football displays and new works/projects from visual artists.
Within these strands there are performances, concerts, workshops, master classes competitions, forums, demonstrations, visual arts projects and themed events – these are also programmed across the year!
