About our festival
Face of
the Festival
Ceoltóirí Naarm
Just incase you missed it - this years Faces of the Festival are Ceoltóirí Naarm.
Ceoltóirí Naarm being named this year’s Faces of the Festival showcases the next generation of Irish musicians in Australia. Their passion and dedication to traditional Irish music, combined with the expert guidance of Aifric Boylan and Ciaran O'Grady and the teaching team, make them a perfect fit for this recognition. It’s inspiring to see young musicians carrying on the tradition while adding their own energy and authenticity to it. Their journey from forming in 2023 to becoming a sought-after act in such a short time really speaks to their talent and the strength of the Comhaltas Melbourne community.
Ceoltóirí Naarm’s will feature at this year's festival—headlining concerts, running workshops, and collaborating with international musicians—will be a real highlight.
Past Faces of the Festival
PAST FACES OF THE FESTIVAL
2023 Aifric Boylan and Ciaran O'Grady (Pictured)
Covid break
2019 Quinlan Hames and Caleb Anderson - Performers
2018 Matt Jolly - Festival Infrastructure
2017 Anna Lake - Festival Team
2016 Douglas Clan – Colleen, Clarissa & Tenisha Douglas
2015 Mark Butler - Singer
2014 Cathy Blake & Clan
2013 Mary McEvilly - Fiddle Player
2012 Geoff Jones &Pete Moir - Pipes and Drums
2011 Catherine Fraser - Fiddle Player
2010 Pria Schwall- Kearney - Fiddle player
2009 Maria Forde - Singer Songwriter
2008 Jimmy Moore - Singer
2007 William Hutton - Singer
2006 Claire Schultz - The Grand Hotel Owner
2005 Fionnula Callahan - Set Dancer and larrikin
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.
