Organisers have compiled a list of the 20 best Irish songs of all time, which will be counted down following The Borderers’ Saturday night performance in the Koroit Theatre. 

A video presentation will run through from 20 to two, before the number one song is played live by an all-star line-up.

Patrons will be given a copy of the list as a memento from the event, with organisers hoping it sparks some spirited debate.

The countdown is one new element amid the tried and true aspects that have made the event so much-loved over the past 20 years.

The Danny Boy competition will be another highlight, with heats throughout Saturday at the Commercial Hotel followed by the final at the Koroit Theatre.

The festival kicks off on Friday night at the Koroit Theatre with performances from festival headliners including Maria Forde, Mike Brady, and The Borderers, plus an appearance by “Irish-themed hypnotist” Andy Magee.

Also on the bill for the weekend is up-and-coming Melbourne group Zeon, Maria Forde’s new act A Rose & Thorns, Ballarat six-piece Old Melbourne Road, Cora Browne & Felix Meagher, and south-west group Cill-Airne, who were named the festival’s Artist of the Year.

Other locals on the bill include Killarney’s Nancie Schipper, Koroit’s Kayla Dwyer, Warrnambool’s Likely Celts, and festival favourites Tommy, Tuddy & Mick.

The music will be shared across five stages on Saturday, plus there will also be a host of buskers including the Kirky Krew, Terry & Dave, Since Tuesday, The Rubberband, The Wednesday Whistlers, and The Tin Sheddies.