Portarlington’s National Celtic and Folk Festival continues despite arctic blast
Portarlington has turned on the chill and the charm as kilts, pipes and puddles took centre stage at a wet and wild National Celtic Festival.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Portarlington has turned on the chill and the charm as kilts, pipes and puddles took centre stage at a wet and wild National Celtic Festival.
The annual folk shindig has embraced the coldest weekend of the year across the long weekend, but punters are expected to enjoy better conditions over Sunday and Monday.
It comes as Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula recorded the highest overnight rainfall for June since 2019 on Sunday morning.
Festival director Una McAlinden said the weather had not dampened numbers, spirit or the beautiful highland vibes.
“It’s good Celtic weather, and all the stages are nice and cozy,” she said
“We’ve got fire pits and heaters, and cosy stages.
IN PICTURES: Portarlington comes alive for National Celtic Festival
“We expect winter weather at this time of year so people just rug up and embrace it.”
The rain should ease for the festivals final day on Kings Birthday, which was opened with a bang on Friday night.
Rousing Irish four-piece Boxing Banjo set the pace early as the arctic blast rattled the marquees.
Ms McAlinden said it set the tone for what was has been an “incredible weekend”.
From the soulful sounds of Tulna, the whispy and skilful players of Grainne Hunt and the looped trad of Caoimhin and jiggery of the Boxing Banjo, the scene was set for never-mind-the-weather merriment.
“The energy has been really high and everyone really settled in,” she said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Portarlington’s National Celtic and Folk Festival continues despite arctic blast
Join the conversation
Flooding reported as rain pours down across Geelong
Geelong has been hit with its highest June overnight rainfall for years as flooding and building damage are reported in multiple suburbs.
Read more
‘It hurts’: Tigers come up bitterly short against Dragons
With Bell Park well in control at three quarter time, a late and spirited Grovedale comeback gave Saturday’s contest some life under fading daylight. But in the end, the Tigers found themselves with too much to do.
Read more