Official tourism website of Port Fairy and Moyne Shire

MAY 2010

1st: Koroit Irish Festival

Koroit’s rich Irish heritage is celebrated in true Celtic form each year with the Koroit Irish Festival. Held on the last weekend in April or first weekend in May (depending on how the calendar falls – it is always the weekend before the famous Warrnambool May Racing Carnival), the festival features live music, poetry, singing and dancing. There is even a spud picking competition to truly get back to the town’s Irish roots. Further information can be found at www.koroitirishfestival.com.au

1st: Chocolate tasting session
Maitre chocolatier Andrea Slitti, will, for the first time in Australia, guide you to the perfect chocolate. A luxurious tasting session with Slitti's chocolate and special dessert wines from Tuscany, the perfect match. Minimum offer of $20 for entry. Proceeds (minus expenses) donated to a local charity. To be held at Saltra Brasserie, 20 Bank Street, Port Fairy. Register at the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre.

1st - June 11th: Amy Robinson - 'Splashes'
Blarney Books and Art presents Amy Robinson's Splashes exhibition, a collection of artworks inspired by life by the water. Held at Blarney Books and Art, 37 James Street, Port Fairy - 5568 2174 or www.blarneybooks.com.au

2nd: World Laughter Day
World Laughter Day is being celebrated in Port Fairy and everyone is welcome! 11am will see a regional gathering of laughter yoga leaders at Port Fairy's Community House, followed by a free public laughter session at 11.30am, light and health lunch at midday (bookings essential for catering), laughter therapy class, concentrating on the mental, physical and spiritual at 1pm and laughter, meditation and music session at 2pm. Further information can be directed to Julie Hart at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

4-6th: Warrnambool May Races
The internationally acclaimed May Racing Carnival is a three-day carnival attended by tens of thousands of people. Known as `The Bool’ this prestigious event is a must-do on the racing calendar. Further information can be found at www.warrnamboolracing.com.au

7th: Alice in Wonderland movie screening
Enjoy this screening of the 2010 version of the screen classic Alice in Wonderland as a fund-raiser for St Patrick's Primary School. Rated PG with scary scenes, the 2010 instalment stars Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway and Helena Boham-Carter. Held at Port Fairy's Reardon Theatre.

12th: Lunch with the Govanstones
Meet Tilly and Andrew Govanstone whose book The Women behind the Roses traces the history of the Alister Clark bred roses and the women who inspired the names. A literary lunch and book signing, their book will be on sale on the day. From 12.30pm at Port Fairy's The Star of the West. Contact Mary Delaney, 5568 3311, for details. Tickets $5 (plus meal and drinks at own cost)

15th: Dinner with Anna Goldsworthy
Hear Anna discuss her recently released memoir, Piano Lessons, while enjoying fine food and beverages. $40 per head inclues canapes, a choice of two main courses and dessert. Drinks at bar prices. To be held at Charlie's on East, East Beach, Port Fairy, from 7pm. Vegetarian and dietary needs catered for with prior notification. Bookings by May 8, to Mary Delaney, 5568 3311. Part of the Ex Libris Book Fair.