Everything you need to know about 2022 Koroit Irish Festival
Thousands will descend on Koroit for the popular three-day Irish festival this weekend. Find out everything you need to know about the event here.
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Thousands will descend on Koroit for the popular three-day Irish festival from Friday.
Koroit Irish Festival ambassador Leeanne Parkinson said the event would take over the small town in south-west Victoria with singing, dancing, and food stalls.
Ms Parkinson, who moved from Ballyconnell in County Cavan Ireland to Koroit in 2011, said this year’s theme centred around Koroit Irish Immigation.
It is expected to encourage conversations about immigration of the Irish community to Koroit, which has been happening since in the 1850s.
Ms Parkinson will speak at the Koriot Theatre on Friday night about her modern-day immigration story.
“There’s lots of festivals like this in Ireland – All the Irish music, the Irish dancing, plenty of entertainment and things that remind me of home all right,” Ms Parkinson said.
According to the 2016 census, 17 per cent of the population in Koroit had Irish ancestry.
A festival committee spokesperson Anthony Brady said crowds of up to 4000 people were expected, which would have a significant impact to the town’s economy and fundraisers.
The event will begin with an opening concert at Koroit Theatre, featuring an Irish quiz, performances by the Ferriters, MacCrimmin performing the annual festival song for 2022 ‘the Rattlin Bog’ and Koroit local Ruby Mckenna.
Musical performances, market and food stalls and activities across pubs, theatres and the streets in Koroit will be held on Saturday.
Performances include Damien Leith, Knot O’ The Gate, Maria Forde, Christian Ayres School of Irish Dancing spectacular, Bluestone River Band and the Ramshackle army.
The danny boy championships, flaming folk person of the year, gathering of green eyes, Australia’s most Irish name competition, and spud eating competitions are just some of the festival activities.
The Irish stout brewing championships at Noodledoof Brewing Co will be held on Sunday as well as the Gaelic games exhibition at Victoria Park, conversation's with Koroit Irish Immigration at the Commercial Hotel and a ‘big brekkie and last laugh’ at the Koroit Bowls Club.
Children under the age of 18 are free, and pre-booking for the festival is recommended.
Festival tickets can be bought here.
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