General News
26 April, 2024
Koroit comes alive
THE Koroit Irish Festival has begun and the famous village is already kicking its heels up.
The population of Koroit is expected to double this weekend with 4000 people enjoying festivities.
This will include high-class Irish performers such as the Christine Ayres School of Irish Dancing, Old Melbourne Road, Kellys Wayke and Maria Forde.
There will also be two national titles handed out, Australia’s Most Irish Name and the Australian Danny Boy Championship.
The popular street procession will return as will the Flaming Folk Person of the Year, the Gathering of Green Eyes and the famed Spud Trilogy: Picking-Peeling-Eating.
Saturday will be the festival’s main day, with the official opening concert tonight (Friday).
Sunday is looming as a big day as well with live music, a big breakfast, a Gaelic Games carnival and a Sunday market.
Koroit Irish Festival president Adele MacDonald said the build-up to the festival had been huge.
“It’s been extraordinary, the work the committee has put in and the involvement of the community,” Ms MacDonald said.
“There is just so much excitement around town, shops and houses are decorated, everyone’s talking about the festival and there are so many visitors, it’s amazing.
“We want everyone to come along and have the best time ever; to have so much fun.”
The festival ambassador for this year is Koroit legend Maureen Keane.
Ms Keane will be interviewed at the opening night concert and will lead the street procession.
The Irish Ambassador to Australia, Tim Mawe, will also be in town for the festival.
A timetable of events can be found on the festival website
