A’richt lads n lassies! The annual Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes is on again, May 4-7, 2023, and this year they’re gaun Scots!
Year of Scotland is the theme of the 31st Australian Celtic Festival, and the organisers are readying the kilts and the haggis to gie it laldy this year. Hairy coos and kilted yoga are among the highlights of the family-friendly festival, with the key events including:
Thu 4 May – Ceud Mile Failte! 100,000 Welcomes Concert – at the Glen Innes & District Services Club
Fri 5 May – Official Opening Ceremony in the Town Hall Square (FREE)
Fri 5 May – Scottish Ceilidh at the Australian Standing Stones
Sat 6 May –Street Parade along Grey Street
Sat 6 May – Celts in the Park at the Rotunda in Kind Edward Park (FREE)
Sat 6 May & Sun 7 May – Australian Celtic Festival at the Australian Standing Stones
And Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced a wee grant to boost the event, with the NSW Government contributing $113,500 towards the entertainment.
“With the 2023 event celebrating Scotland, organisers report 13 pipe bands have already registered for the festival and that Glen Innes will host the national pipe band championships during the festival – a first for Glen Innes,” Mr Marshall said.
“The money will also go toward improving disability access including building a pathway around the stones so that everyone can enjoy the event.”
“Attracting around 5,000 visitors each year, this festival will provide an enormous shot-in-the-arm to the Glen Innes economy and I cannot wait!”
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Rob Banham said he was delighted to receive support from the State Government for this important event.
“Some of this grant will go towards engaging high-profile entertainers, sporting identities, international performers and performers with Scottish heritage and traditions,” Cr Banham said.
“This will give our Festival a real infusion of authenticity and increase the desirability to attend during this very special Year of Scotland.”
Early bird discounted tickets for the festival events are on sale now, until February 28 or sold out.
Organisers are also seeking food vendors to feed the thousands who attend the festivities, with bonus points for Scottish or Celtic fare. Applications for stall holders close on February 17.
Top image: George Robertson-Dryden, left, Steve Toms, Celtic Council of Australia Convener Pamela O’Neill, Peter Grulovic, Lara Gresham, James Gresham, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Glen Innes Severn Council General Manager Bernard Smith, Deputy Mayor Troy Annandale, Tourism Manager Rhonda Bombell, John Rhyse-Jones, Col Price and Mayor Rob Banham.
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