Strung along: Fiddler Mary McEvilly performs at the Celtic festival.
KIM WATERS
ALMOST 14,000 patrons from around Australia and overseas flocked to Portarlington for last weekend’s National Celtic Festival, according to director Una McAlinden.
McMcAlinden hailed this year’s event as “the biggest and best yet”.
Patrons travelled from as far as Germany and New Zealand and included VIPs from the Irish embassy in Canberra, she said.
“People have asked me how we’re going to top this year’s event because it was that fantastic. The weather was perfect and all the new elements were a massive hit.
“We’re finally getting recognised as a national event.”
Ms McAlinden said a strong line-up of international performers was a particular crowd-pleaser.
“The calibre of musicians in this year’s program was world class. The international stars were a highlight and they’ll talk up the festival in their own countries, so word-of-mouth will start spreading.”
The festival celebrates its 10th anniversary next year.
