Ireland takes the stage: Culture Ireland brings top talent to National Celtic Folk Festival 2025

Get ready to raise a glass and hit the dance floor—The National Celtic Folk Festival is turning up the heat in 2025 with a celebration of culture, music, and pure fun like never before!

What’s the Craic?
This year’s lineup brings together a vibrant mix of international and national talent, guaranteed to get you on your feet.  From electric tunes and dynamic theatre to gourmet food and captivating storytelling, this year’s program is bursting with vibrant traditions and contemporary creativity.

National Celtic Folk Festival

• When: June 6-9
• Where: Portarlington, Bellarine, Victoria 

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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Culture Ireland Partnership

In a massive coup, the festival proudly announces an exciting new partnership with Culture Ireland, the Irish government’s agency dedicated to promoting Irish arts worldwide. This collaboration brings four outstanding Irish acts to the Australian stage for the first time-

• CAOIMHÍN: Producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist blending Gaelic soul with modern electronic beats. After rocking the world festival circuit, CAOIMHÍN’s sound is bold, emotive, and unmistakably original.
• Gráinne Hunt: With vocals described as “like complex coffee,” Gráinne brings deep folk roots and story-rich songs to life. Her heartfelt performances make her a true voice of Irish tradition.
• Tulua: Young, energetic, and fearless, Tulua is redefining Irish traditional music with high-octane instrumentals and fresh takes on classics. Their debut album has earned rave reviews across Ireland.
• Boxing Banjo: A powerhouse quartet with serious musical chops, Boxing Banjo is known for their energy, charisma, and musicianship. This band will have you up and dancing before you can blink! 

 

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Homegrown Heroes

But that’s not all! The Australian folk scene is also getting its moment in the spotlight, with over 40 Aussie acts bringing their own magic to Portarlington including:

• Amaidí: Australia’s Neo-Trad Rave Sensation! Blending raw Irish and Scottish traditions with a cutting-edge contemporary vibe, Amaidí is taking Australia by storm!
• Bo’Ness: Playing the biggest stages in Australia, Bo’Ness has grown into a powerhouse act, bringing heartfelt performances and an undeniable passion for music to every show.
• Homebru: From lutruwita (Tasmania), this sibling duo is known for intricate compositions, fiery improvisation, and an infectious spirit. Their vibrant contemporary Celtic folk will have you dancing all night long!
• Claymore: Scottish rock legends, known for their crowd-pleasing hits and vibrant performances, are back to light up the stage!

Theatre Spotlight

c21 Theatre Company from Northern Ireland brings a special presentation of Never Always Ever Was—a groundbreaking new work by Australian playwright Fleur Murphy, supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture program.

Food and Flavour

Prepare your taste buds for a treat! Renowned Irish chef Declan McGovern is bringing his blend of traditional Irish recipes and modern culinary flair to the Festival Kitchen. With experience in New York and Galway, Declan will showcase the best of Irish fusion with a local twist. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

Winter Wonderland on the Foreshore

Portarlington’s foreshore is about to transform into a Winter Wonderland, setting the stage for a magical weekend. Imagine festive lights, cozy open fires, and mulled wine flowing as you explore market stalls and delicious food vans. It’s the perfect place to soak in the festive vibes and experience the true heart of culture.

Exciting New Features

This year, we’re cranking it up with an epic lineup of new events. Want to try your hand at Highland Sword Play? Or take on the Heavy Games? This is your chance to level up. Test your strength in a Hurling match, cheer on the St Ayles Skiff race, or watch the iconic Highland Cattle strut their stuff!

And don’t forget—music, workshops, ceilis, and KidsFest will be in full swing, alongside arts installations and vibrant street artists adding their flair to the festival.

Music, Dancing and More

The heart of this festival is music, dancing, and pure fun. Concerts will fill the foreshore and township with top-tier Celtic and folk acts from around the world. With multiple venues across Portarlington, expect electric vibes and unforgettable tunes all weekend long.

 

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Get Your Tickets Now

With over 10,000 festival-goers expected, tickets are flying out fast! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend of culture, delicious food, and non-stop craic.

For the ultimate experience, choose glamping, camping, or one of our ferry packages to make your trip even easier. Tickets are available now—but they won’t last long! 

So, what are you waiting for?

Whether you’re here for the music, the culture, or just the good vibes, the National Celtic Folk Festival 2025 is THE party of the year. You don’t want to miss it!

Head to www.nationalcelticfestival.com for more details and to secure your spot!

words by staff writer