The June Queen's Birthday weekend sees many putting on their warm clothes and heading to Portarlington for a weekend of Celtic fun at the National Celtic Festival. There is nothing better than sitting by a warm fire with a Guinness in hand listening to some traditional Celtic music.

The festival is largest and most diverse celebration of Celtic culture in Australia, and is held the beautiful bay side Bellarine Peninsula township of Portarlington. This event brings together some of the biggest names in Celtic and Irish music from around the world. Over the history of the event the names it has attracted are amazing.

As well as performance there are markets selling Celtic wares, food and craft. The whole town gets behind the event and makes it something special.

The Irish, the English, the Welch, Cornish and Scottish all have something to add to this great festival which is rich in tradition and fun. The groups bring together a vast array of dramatic shows, displays, dance competitions and dance, music, and poetry, celebrating the diverse Celtic customs, traditions and history.

The event is held in a range of venues around Portarlington, from the pubs and restaurants to the outdoors and public space and even some large marquees. The festival also includes a huge marketplace where you can buy plenty of Celtic gifts including artwork, jewellery and even some delicious foods. All venues are in a few minutes walking distance from one another and are fun for the whole family.