If you’re stirred by the pipes, colour, spectacle and non-stop entertainment, be in Glen Innes - Celtic Country - in the beautiful New England Tablelands of northern New South Wales from Thursday to Sunday, April 28-May 1, for the Australian Celtic Festival.
It’s a very special year, for 2011 marks the festival’s 20th anniversary and also honours the Year of the Irish in line with the policy of singling out a Celtic nation each year.
Each year, the organisers take pride in introducing innovations, to soar new heights of excellence - so 2011 will be truly memorable.
And if you’re a first-time visitor you’ll never forget the stunning main venue, the Australian Standing Stones, an array of granite monoliths, based on the Ring of Brodgar in Scotland’s Orkneys. They’re unique in the southern hemisphere and the national monument to Australia’s Celtic pioneers.
The festival, coinciding with Queensland’s May holiday weekend, draws clans, national groups, dancers, artists and spectators from across Australia.
They revel in the non-stop entertainment on three stages at the Australian Standing Stones, the spectacular street parade, song, dance, massed pipe bands, medieval ‘combat’ like jousting, Strongman events, kirking of the tartan, flag raising ceremonies, yard dog trials, poets’ breakfasts, fun run, market stalls, Celtic foods - and children’s programs.
The skirl of pipes in the autumn mists at dawn on the Saturday launches the weekend’s celebrations at the Australian Standing Stones. Then there are concerts and other night events with music, dancing, song, great food, including the piped-in haggis.
The festival’s a great family celebration, with something for everyone, whether you come for four days or a day.
So if you’re Irish, step into Celtic Country for the 2011 Australian Celtic Festival. If not, come, too, for a warm, Celtic welcome - and you’ll find it unforgettable!
