Portarlington’s National Celtic Folk Festival returns for its 20th anniversary edition
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20.03.2024

Portarlington’s National Celtic Folk Festival returns for its 20th anniversary edition

Performers - Tim Scanlan, Photo by Adam Purcell - Melbourne Ceili Camera, Celtic Club - National Celtic Festival 2022, 11 June 2022.
Words by Staff Writer

From June 7 to 10, the National Celtic Folk Festival (NCFF) will celebrate its 20th festival in Portarlington bringing the best in Folk and Celtic culture to the shores of Portarlington.

Celebrating its monumental 20th edition this year, the annual National Celtic Folk Festival (NCFF) is set to sweep Portarlington’s shores with an unparalleled celebration of Celtic culture from June 7 to 10. Hosted on Wadawurrung Country, this milestone festival – Australia’s largest and most diverse Celtic gathering – promises an immersive experience steeped in tradition and festivity.

Originating over 40 years ago in Geelong, the NCFF has grown into a revered cultural institution, drawing enthusiasts and performers from across Australia and beyond. A not-for-profit organisation, led by a team of passionate and committed committee members and a growing group of over 300 volunteers from Portarlington and surrounding areas, this year’s edition, marking two decades in Portarlington, embodies the festival’s enduring legacy of connecting people through Celtic heritage.

National Celtic Folk Festival 2024

  • Dates: June 7-10, 2024
  • Location: Portarlington, Wadawurrung Country, Victoria
  • Ticket Information: Visit nationalcelticfestival.com

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From mesmerising music to enthralling workshops and captivating performances, the festival’s programme is a rich tapestry of Celtic arts and traditions. Attendees can expect a diverse array of cultural showcases, spanning Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Breton, Galician, and Asturian influences.

Spread across 10-plus venues, the festival offers a dynamic lineup featuring live folk and Celtic music, theatre performances, jam sessions, traditional dances, and more. With activities catering to all ages and interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy amidst the festive atmosphere.

Festival Director Una McAlinden expresses excitement for this milestone event, highlighting the blend of traditional and innovative programming. The festival promises surprises and special events to commemorate its 20th anniversary, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

“Celebrating the 20th edition of the National Celtic Folk Festival in Portarlington is a significant milestone and achievement, reflecting the festival’s enduring appeal and its role in the cultural landscape of the region. With a history spanning over 40 years and an exciting mix of traditional and innovative programming this year’s festival will celebrate its past while also looking forward to welcoming new generations of artists and festival-goers.”

Beyond the entertainment, festival-goers can indulge in culinary delights from food trucks and bars, explore artisan markets showcasing handcrafted goods, and participate in immersive workshops and dance sessions.

With ticketed venues brimming with live music, workshops, and theatrical performances, the NCFF invites attendees to immerse themselves fully in the Celtic culture that defines this vibrant festival. As the celebration unfolds, it’s clear that the National Celtic Folk Festival is poised to kickstart the party of the year this June.

The 2024 National Celtic Folk Festival will take place 7-10 June, 2024 in Portarlington, Wadawurrung Country, Victoria. Tickets are on sale now, with weekend and camping tickets available. These can be purchased here