Koroit Irish Festival

The popular Koroit Irish Festival will this year be held on Friday April 30, Saturday May 1 and Sunday May 2.

The small town of Koroit comes alive at this annual festival, which celebrates its rich Irish heritage through music, poetry, dancing, singing and even spud picking! The historic village is located between Warrnambool and Port Fairy and nestled on the northern slopes of the extinct volcano Tower Hill.

More than 38 hours of live music will feature from seven stages over the weekend, along with market, food and drink stalls and even an Irish food stall providing genuine Irish fare.

This year's festival will once again see performances from a variety of quality performers. In an exciting coup, the festival has secured its first international act in its 14-year history. Traditional Irish ensemble The Craic Hooers will perform on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning of the festival.

The lineup includes Pat McKernan, Bhan Tre, Boab Three, Maria Forde, Shanks Mare, Flanagan’s Mob, Cill Airne, Shanachie (Paddy O’Neill award winners), O’Toole Kit, Fingerboard Road, Tommy, Tuddy & Mick and Rubberband.

You will also be entertained by the O’Shea Ryan Irish Dancers, a magnificent street procession, Australian Danny Boy Championship, spud picking competition, best dressed leprechaun competition, Sam the Amazing Clown, ’Wee Folk’ activity centre, jumping castle and loads of other entertainment.

This year will also see the introduction of special Saturday night function, the ‘KIF House Party‘.

Held at the Koroit Theatre from 6.45pm to 10pm, the KIF House Party combines all the music, singing, eating and impromptu dancing of a traditional Irish house party with a real learning experience where ‘house guests’ (that’s you) learn about Irish music and culture in a fun way.

The KIF House Party venue is the magnificent Koroit Theatre where more than 20 musicians will be seated in a circle in the middle of the theatre and ‘guests’ can pull up their chairs anywhere around the outside of this circle. Tables (separate booking required) and chairs are also available . In addition, the Dress Circle above is available for comfy seating overlooking the theatre below.

It’s a BYO dinner/nibbles and drinks occasion. You could bring your tea and esky from home or grab any of the delicious takeaway food available from the Koroit businesses just a few metres away in town.

Further information on the Koroit Irish Festival can be found at its official website, www.koroitirishfestival.com.au