CelticFest Warwick: Music, culture, sports on show as Warwick dons green for Celtic long weekend event

One of Warwick’s oldest residents has donned a splash of green as the town officially prepares to kick off one of the biggest weekends of the year with the second annual instalment of a hugely popular cultural celebration.

Southern Green-sland is preparing for a huge long weekend of highland festivities, dancing, food and drink and of course a bit of craic with the second instalment of a wildly popular festival hitting the Rose City.

Residents and travellers from across the state will don green as thousands embark on the Warwick showgrounds to participate in the sophomore CelticFest event in 2023.

The annual three day event celebrates the Southern Downs’ rich Scottish and Irish heritage as well as contemporary Celtic culture and traditions.

One of Warwick’s oldest residents is already in the festive spirit, with the iconic Palmerin St statue of former premier TJ Byrne adorned with a custom CelticFest hat – which had to be custom made to fit Mr Byrne’s “very large noggin’”.

Iconic Palmerin Street statue of former premier TJ Byrnes gets in the mood for some festive craic

Brisbane-based duo, Rebecca Wright and Donald McKay, were looking forward to performing at the weekend, bringing their authentic music to CelticFest.

“This will be our first time performing in Warwick, and we can’t wait,” they said.

“We love having the opportunity to pop on our kilts and share our songs with an appreciative audience, and we know that CelticFest will be a wonderful celebration of Celtic culture.

Irish musicians The Gathering’s will return to this year’s CelticFest after headlining in 2022 and they are keen to be back.

The Gathering frontman and award-winning Irish musician Mick McHugh said the band were very excited to be returning to CelticFest Warwick.

“Last year was our first visit to Warwick, we felt so honoured to be celebrating Celtic ancestry with people ten thousand miles from the place of their ancestors. It was a kick-arse Celtic weekend and we can’t wait to be back there again,’ Mr McHugh said.

Organisers don Irish green in preparation for the upcoming CelticFest

Here’s the ultimate breakdown of what’s on this weekend with all things Celtic:

SATURDAY – IRISH NIGHT 2pm - 10pm at Warwick Showgrounds

• Irish music- headlined by The Gathering Irish Band
• Ceilidh (Celtic bush dance) – hosted by the Darling Downs Irish Club
• Medieval village life with Viking battles and Jacobite swordsmanship
• Australian Highland Games Championships
• Highland Coos
• Food and Irish Bar

SUNDAY – ALL THINGS CELTIC 9am – 3.30pm at Warwick Showgrounds

• Celtic country markets
• Australian Highland Games Championships including the Caber Toss
• Medieval village life with Viking battles and Jacobite swordsmanship
• Celtic bands, pipe bands, buskers
• Irish and Highland dancing
• Gathering of the Clans and genealogy expert
• Celtic animals – ‘Highland Coos’ and more cuties to meet
• Celtic inspired bar and food

SATURDAY – MONDAY – CELTIC FRINGE – Various

• (10am-4pm Saturday) Inaugural Australian Juvenile Pipe Bands Championships hosted by Scots PGC College – Scots PGC College, 60 Oxenham St Warwick
• (10.30am Saturday) Downs Explorer historical train trips – Warwick Railway Station, Lyons St, Warwick
• (10.30am Saturday) Celtic bands and workshops at Club Warwick RSL
• (6.45am Saturday) Park Run – Celtic style – Queen’s Park, Warwick
• (Various times, check guide) Heritage trail walks – open historical buildings including Pringle Cottage & Glengallan Homestead
• (Various times, check guide) Heritage and art drive trails

These are just some of the amazing things to see, do and experience on offer over the long weekend. However, some attractions may require bookings or travel so be advised. For the full guide and ticket links visit the CelticFest 2023 website.