Youngsters: The Simpson Three.
HAMISH BROOKS
A FOCUS on youthful performers has paid dividends for Portarlington’s National Celtic Festival, according to organiser Una McAlinden.
She highlighted the role of young bands as the town prepared to host the festival again this weekend.
McAlinden said the event was running out of steam before relocating from Geelong nine years ago.
The change of venue brought with it the shift of focus to younger performers.
“Now we have the parents of people in bands begging to be let into the festival,” McAlinden said.
“It’s good to see these people who’ve been involved in the scene for years getting excited about it again.”
The Simpson Three emphasised the youthful contingent at the festival launch.
Declan Simpson, 24, said he and his brother and sister band mates were looking forward to playing their second festival.
The festival line-up also includes international sensations Solas and Hanneke Cassel Trio along with workshops, Celtic food stalls and dance demonstrations.
