ACF TO HONOUR THE CELTIC NATIONS OF BRITTANY, CORNWALL AND WALES

Published on 14 April 2025

From 1–4 May 2025, Glen Innes will once again host the Australian Celtic Festival — Glen Innes Severn Council’s largest annual event and a nationally recognised celebration of Celtic heritage, music and community.

Set at the Australian Standing Stones National Monument in Centennial Parklands, the festival draws thousands of visitors each year and honours Glen Innes Severn’s strong connections to Celtic ancestry. In 2025, the spotlight turns to Brittany, Cornwall and Wales, with a rich program of performances, artisan markets, traditional ceremonies and festivities that extend across the township.

Mayor Margot Davis said the Festival is a highlight of the local calendar and a celebration that brings the region together.

“The Australian Celtic Festival is Council’s flagship event. It reflects our commitment to celebrating culture and bringing people together in a meaningful way. It’s a time when Glen Innes Severn proudly shares its Celtic heritage with visitors from across the country and beyond,” Cr Davis said.

Sydney’s Four Frogs Crêperie will bring a taste of Brittany to Glen Innes with traditional crêpes and Breton cider. Local and regional favourites, and guest distillers from Queensland will also be on site with tastings and sales throughout the weekend.

The ACF Celtic Food Trail returns, kicking off from 28 April, with cafés and restaurants across Glen Innes offering themed menus and creative window displays throughout the week.

New to the 2025 program are two exciting additions. The ACF Eisteddfod, to be held at Glen Innes Town Hall on Friday 2 May, will feature traditional Welsh poetry, music and performance. Another new space, The Celtic Cauldron, will offer a dynamic environment for hands-on workshops, presentations and intimate music sessions.

Festival favourites will also make a return, including the official ceremonies and parades, vibrant pipe bands, historical reenactments, the Highland Games and Celtic Strongman. Music lovers will enjoy performances from Dalla Duo (Cornwall), Siobhan Owen (Wales), Murphy’s Pigs, Limerick and The Gathering, while dance performances from Damhsa Comhla, Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers, Shamrock Dancers, Jacaranda Dancers, Elevate Irish Dance Academy and Scotia Highland Dancers will keep the crowd on their feet.

The full program will be released on Thursday, 24 April and will be available at Glen Innes News distribution points, the Visitor Information Centre, Highlands Hub and the Festival Box Office.

Shuttle buses will run continuously throughout the weekend between the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre and The Glen Innes Showgrounds. A drop-off area and limited accessible parking will be available for vehicles with valid permits.

For more information, visit: www.australiancelticfestival.com.

Media Enquiries: (02) 6730 2300 | media@gisc.nsw.gov.au