The much-anticipated Yass Irish and Celtic Music Festival is fast approaching this September. The festival will span three days, from September 16th to 18th, and includes traditional Irish, Celtic, and Australian folk music. Festival Organiser Janno Scanes says performing at the festival will be many highly prominent musicians within the world of folk and Celtic festivals.
Music is not the only thing the Irish and Celtic Music Festival has to offer, with Master and Junior Fleadh classes, Blackboard venues, Celtic markets, Poets Soiree and breakfasts, Ceilis, and special workshops.
“Junior Fleadh is all about free music and dance lessons for children and youth. It’s supported by the Irish National Association,” said festival organiser Janno Scanes.
Many events within the Irish and Celtic Music Festival will use local venues such as cafés situated off the main street of Yass.
Inspired by Yass Valley’s long history of Irish settlement, the Irish and Celtic Music Festival is designed as a fun and culturally enriching event for all age groups.
Over past years, the Celtic Markets held in Banjo Paterson Park have been a stand-out attraction, well attended by locals and visitors to Yass. Due to the town’s walkable nature and historic architecture, Yass is the ideal place for markets and the festival’s overall cultural and historical significance.
Stallholders with wide ranges of Celtic-inspired or other handcrafts, clothing, jewellery, foods, and more will be setting up from 10am to 4pm on the festival weekend.
Irish and Celtic Music Festival organisers say the markets are brimming with fabulous arts and crafts and local products.
“Musical entertainment adds to the market atmosphere where visitors can sit awhile and partake in the fine foods on offer, and free children’s events makes this a great venue for the whole family,” they add.
The Irish and Celtic Music Festival is organised and run by volunteers and is supported by the Yass Valley Council, the Embassy of Ireland, and the Yass Valley Community. However, it is in need of more volunteers, especially people holding working with children checks. An application form for volunteers can be found on the Irish and Celtic Music Festival website.
Keep reading the Yass Valley Times for more Festival updates.
Southerly Jones
