Portarlington will welcome visitors from near and far for the National Celtic Folk Festival next month thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant today announced the National Celtic Folk Festival will receive $58,000 to support their event in June 2024.

The National Celtic Folk Festival Inc was a successful funding recipient from the Government’s Regional Events Fund and Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has delivered more than $36 million to deliver close to 10,000 multicultural festivals and events in every corner of the state through both the Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund, and the Regional Multicultural Festivals and Events Fund. The Government has supported the event over many years, which has brought tens of thousands of visitors to the region, boosted business, and helped promote Portarlington and the Bellarine Peninsula as a visitor destination.

The National Celtic Folk Festival program offers a broad range of arts and activities including poetry, cuisine, markets, workshops, children’s entertainment and more.

The festival is the largest of its kind in Australia and will be celebrating 20 years in Portarlington this year as well as a rich history in the greater Geelong region spanning more than 30 years.

With activity from Friday 7 to Monday 10 June, the festival takes place along the foreshore and in numerous venues throughout the township – spreading the celebration and economic benefits right throughout the region.

The Government’s support for regional events across the state is a key pillar of Victoria’s $37.8 billion visitor economy – creating thousands of local jobs and boosting businesses.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant:

“We are proud to support events like the National Celtic Folk Festival because they encourage people to visit regional destinations and enjoy the wide range of experiences on offer.” 

“The National Celtic Folk Festival will be a fantastic long-weekend celebration that is set to bring more visitors to the Bellarine Peninsula, providing a boost to local businesses and jobs.”

“Cultural celebrations are a way for all Victorians to take part in events that foster understanding and appreciation for all communities, and they are a powerful contribution Victoria’s richly diverse multicultural landscape.”