About our festival
Cultural Partnerships
Fèis Rois
Fèis is the Scottish Gaelic word for 'Festival' and Rois translates as 'Ross'. Ross-Shire is the area of Scotland where the organisation is based.
The partnership between these two organisations began when NCFF Festival Director Una McAlinden and Fèis Rois Chief Executive Fiona Dalgetty met in 2011 on a trip to Scotland. After meeting again at the Showcase Scotland event at Celtic Connections in 2012, they began working together.
Over the last decade, they have developed a strong partnership that has allowed multiple music professionals and young artists to travel from Fèis Rois to Australia and vice versa for performances, media exposure and educational experiences.
National Eisteddfod
With over 125,000 people in Australia claiming Welsh heritage, it is only natural that there is a great interest in Welsh traditions across the country.The National Eisteddfod and the National Celtic Folk Festival have launched a new partnership in 2019, which promotes Welsh culture on an international stage.
And this partnership was launched through a beautiful collaboration between one of Wales's leading folk musicians, Angharad Jenkins (Calan, DnA, Pendevig) and Jenny M Thomas of the band Bush Gothic, who are known for reinterpreting Australia's darkest and most unfamiliar folk songs, as well as reworking familiar yet non-fashionable songs. During the lockdown period, Jenny and Angharad collaborated in different parts of the world, sharing experiences and songs as Jenny learned about our music here in Wales.
Supporting Young Artists
Ailish Moran
Playing traditional Irish music since she was 4 years old, Ailish Moran, is travelling to Ireland to immerse herself in the trad music scene and attend a range of music schools across the country.
Recognising her talent and passion, Ailish has been accepted to compete in the All-Ireland fleadh in Mullingar. This was the first time an Australian has competed on concertina and the National Celtic Folk Festival supported Ailish in her adventure this year. We are all behind Ailish, but no more than her father, Jody who nurtured her interest as a youngest first teaching her tin whistle and then progressing to concertina.
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.
Ceoltóirí Naarm
The Melbourne branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was delighted to present a group of their young musicians at the 2023 National Celtic Festival, for the very first time.
This talented bunch, aged 11 to 18, travel from the city, suburbs and regional Victoria each Wednesday night to play Irish music, and to learn a few new tunes. At this year’s festival, they showcased a fantastic, vibrant selection of jigs, slides, hornpipes, reels & more. Bígí linn!
