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Australian Federation Guard
Australia's Federation Guard is a Tri-Service unit, comprising of members from the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Airforce. Within Australia's Federation Guard is a smaller group who form the Precision Drill Team (PDT). The PDT travel all over Australia performing for events like Careers Expos, Charity functions and sporting Grand Finals. The drills performed by the Precision Drill Team are a combination of over 300 specific movements without any words of command being given to the Guardsmen. The Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen that make up the PDT require incredible levels of skill, concentration and teamwork which is perfected through many hours of practice.
Highlander
If the sound of highland bagpipes stirs the blood and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end - then ‘Highlander’ is a show not to be missed. ‘Highlander’ is an Australian five piece Celtic rock outfit whose unique sound has been wowing audiences of all ages with their electrifying high energy music. The powerful sound of the bagpipes matched with the dynamic vibrant sounds of the fiddle, electric and acoustic guitar compliment the powerhouse bass grooves, pulsating percussion and vocal harmonies. ‘Highlander’ has added their own theme to the jigs, reels and songs of Scotland, and occasionally gives some of the more classic rock songs a "spin" the Highlander way. Their original compositions are rich in melody and message. Always providing a show that is immensely dynamic and entertaining. This act is guaranteed to have audiences tapping their feet from start to finish.
Murphy's Pigs
One of the most popular bands ever to play at the Festival, this nine-piece Celtic band from Brisbane has gained a reputation for passion, energy and irreverence. Irish, Scottish, Australian, Breton and Galician music- they play it all! Guitars, fiddle, flute, bagpipes, banjo, percussion, keyboards, mandolin and rich vocal harmonies combine to produce a powerful, distinctive and unforgettable sound. The Pigs have performed at the world's largest Celtic festival - 'Festival Interceltique' in France as well as making many Australian appearances. We are fortunate to be able to feature this outstanding band in 2012, the Year of the Irish. Mark this performance in your Festival Diary!
Leaping Lizards
It is a pleasure to welcome Leaping Lizards back to the Australian Celtic Festival. This four person band clearly demonstrates the Celtic roots of much Australian Bush Music. They are finalists – for two songs – in the 2010 Australian Songwriters Awards. By the time of the Australian Celtic Festival, Leaping Lizards will have new album release. Come to the Festival to buy this and have the band sign your copy!
Dance Spectacular
An innovation from 2011 year, the 2012 Festival will celebrate Year of Galacia & Brittany; acknowledging Asturias and the dance spectacular at the start of each day's program will delight and entertain, a spectacle not to be missed. Included will be performances from the country's most talented Spanish and Breton dancers and will feature:
Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers
A regular at the Australian Celtic Festival, Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers perform set, step and ceili dances. Leading Australia's longest running group of its kind in the country. Margaret Winnett was give the 2010 Living Tradition Award in recognition of her outstanding contributuion to Irish Dance in all its forms throughout Australia.
Lismore School of Irish Dance
An energetic group of Irish Dancers, regular Festival goers will remember these dancers as “the girls in the pretty dresses”. In 2012 they will be joined by an emerging 8 year old male dancer. It's great to see young people get involved in this aspect of Celtic Culture.
Cape Byron Celtic Dance
What can we say about Cape Byron Celtic Dance, 2012 being there 16th year attending the festival, their dancers are committed and dedicated to providing the best performances they can of Celtic Dancing. Full of traditional and contemporary, lively and emotive dances performed to a mix of old and new Celtic music led by Principal/Head Teacher Karen Armstrong (Scottish) and Head Teacher Karen Simpson-Clark (Irish). Karen Armstrong was the worthy winner of the 2010 Triquetra Ambassador Award. We look forward to seeing their "pure entertainment' again in 2012.
Shawn Silver
Based in Newfoundland, Canada, Shawn is a teacher and dancer with performance experience in the United States, Canada, Europe and Ireland. This is a dancer not to be missed.
Finale
Our last dance on both days will be truly spectacular. Come along and be thoroughly entertained.
