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Australian Celtic Nations Celebratory Nation Years – change of cycle

For some time, the Festival has worked on a six (6) year cycle celebrating official Nations individually, with the additions of Galicia and Asturias. As a result of this cycle some visitors only attend every six (6) years to see their favourite or home Nation, and participation numbers have fluctuated between 4,000 and 6,000 attendees. For the future sustainability of the Festival, it is important that the Festival continues to grow and maintain high participation and interest levels.

New Three (3) Year Cycle: In consultation with the Australian Standing Stones Management Board, it has been agreed to operate in a three (3) year cycle in the coming years combining the recognised Celtic Nations. The Australian Celtic Festival will recognise six (6) Celtic Nations to be featured at the Festival. The cycles and Nations will be as follows:

• 2019 Scotland
• 2020 Ireland and Isle of Man
• 2021 Wales, Cornwall and Brittany

Scotland is a strong Nation with a proud history and very popular with Australian Celtic Festival attendees as a unique theme. It is because of this that Scotland will remain a standalone Nation. Ireland and Isle of Man both also have cultural similarities and share heritage in the Gaelic languages and traditions While the Nations will be combined, the Festival will ensure that all honoured Nations are celebrated through ceremonies, performer selection themes and gourmet food. Wales, Cornwall and Brittany share a common ancient history, and in remaining Celts in the western lands of Britain, and in some moving across the channel to Brittany. Cornwall was briefly called West Wales by the Saxons, and Brittany is ‘little’ Britain to the larger lands of Great Britain. These Nations share a background of Brythonic strand of Celtic language. Other Nations of course have Celtic history and the Australian Celtic Festival continues to recognise all Celtic heritage within this new format.

Australian Celtic Festival announced as a finalist for the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards, Festivals and Events

The NSW Tourism Awards celebrates the hard work and commitment shown by NSW tourism operators and businesses over the past 12 months. The program is about developing our industry as a whole, encouraging excellence and improvement, and all entrants should be congratulated. The judges have been incredibly impressed by the high calibre of entries in this year’s program.

In 2018, there were 144 entrants across 26 categories recognising excellence from a range of tourism areas such as Tourist Attractions, Festival and Events, Ecotourism, Destination Marketing, Accommodation, Tourism Education and Training. Of those entrants, there are 125 finalists.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, The Hon Adam Marshall MP congratulated the finalists and said the awards are a wonderful platform to recognise the year’s achievements in NSW tourism.

“Our tourism industry is at the forefront when it comes to delivering quality products and experiences and I congratulate the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards finalists for contributing to our position as Australia’s premier State for tourism and events.”

Winners will be announced at the NSW Tourism Awards Presentation Night on Thursday 22 November at Luna Park, Sydney. Winners from 25 aligned national categories will then represent NSW at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on Friday 1 March 2019 in Launceston.

Thank all so much for your amazing 2017 25th Anniversary Australian Celtic Festival support, contribution and assistance.

We are indeed extremely appreciative and hope that you like so many others enjoyed the many Festival spectacles and successes. I have noted some information below for you and welcome especially the completed feedback forms. We hope to welcome you all to Glen Innes again very soon and the 2018 Festival May 3rd-6th celebrating Brittany, Galicia and Asturias.

• The Examiner & Northern Daily Leader media links are provided below for your information:
  http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/4638574/celebrating-celtic-roots-feature/
  http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4643318/2017-celtic-festival-opening-ceremony-photos/
  http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4633093/are-you-ready-for-the-festival/
  http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4644814/2017-australian-celtic-festival-mega-gallery/
  http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4639982/2017-australian-celtic-festival-coverage/
  http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/4649394/celtic-talent-on-show/?cs=422

• The 2017 25th Anniversary Festival thank you function and AGM will be held on Thursday June 1st 5-7pm at the Glen Innes & District Services Club. You will receive an invitation in the near future but do please keep the date free.

• The Festival website will be updated shortly with 2018 dates and information.

We truly loved having you with us during the 2017 Festival and delighted with the attendance, artists, community & stakeholder support & weather, but most importantly the obvious joy the 2017 25th Anniversary Festival provided you all.