Portarlington will be serenaded by an inspiring array of
world-class talent when the 10th National Celtic
Festival hits town next month.
Running over the Queen's Birthday long weekend, from June 8-11,
the milestone event on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula remains
the largest celebration of Celtic music and culture in the southern
hemisphere.
Among the headline acts this year will be some of Ireland's most
sublime female artists, who will perform in a special series of
'Celtic Divas' concerts. They include Lumiere duo Eilis Kennedy and
Pauline Scanlon, the Noriana Kennedy Trio and Nicola Joyce.
Festival-goers can also hear the fresh, original sounds of
rising star Fiach Moriarty and the strong but sensitive
interpretation of Scottish folk songs from Glasgow-born singer
Fiona Ross. Scotland's award-winning young supergroup Breabach will
reveal their unique sound, which mixes the traditional with the
contemporary, while UK-based The Popes will bring Celtic rock back
to the days of The Pogues.
National Celtic Festival director Una McAlinden said this year's
program revisits some of the favourite acts of the past decade,
while showcasing future stars of the Celtic scene.
"Fiach's the heartthrob of the Irish scene at the moment," Ms
McAlinden said. "He's going to bring a contemporary songwriting
quality that we haven't seen at the festival before."
"As for Breabach, you can't get any better in Scottish acts,
they are the full package. They have amazing musicians, songs,
dancing and Gaelic - it is Scottish culture presented in a really
contemporary way."
The festival also includes artists from across Australia,
including: Rhapsody, a classically-trained female duo who perform
traditional folk songs, ballads and original compositions; local
Celtic-punk outfit The Go Set; Celtic rockers Claymore; Irish music
"down under" from The Barleyshakes; The Simpson Three; Bhan Tre;
Highlander; The Von Kellys; The Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club;
Between The Wars and many more.
Plus there's all the pomp and ceremony of traditional pipe
bands, the National Golden Fiddle Awards, dazzling dance displays,
workshops, children's performances and family-friendly
entertainment all weekend.
For the first time this year the National Celtic Festival is
offering day tickets for pre-sale on the Saturday and Sunday. With
festivities starting around 10am, and not wrapping up until after
midnight, there's plenty to enjoy.
Adult day tickets are great value at $85, with concession
available and kids under 14 free. A full weekend pass is still the
best value at $125 for adults, with the entertainment beginning on
Friday night and going right through to Monday afternoon.
More info: www.nationalcelticfestival.com