Celebrating its 20^th year, committee president Chris Evans said the festival had grown into three days of Irish-themed celebration.

“It's been huge. We've had at least 3500 or 4000 people here, which makes it one of our biggest festivals ever,” he said.

The ever-popular street parade drew huge crowds to line Commercial Road on Saturday.

“The parade is always a highlight,” Mr Evans said.

“It’s an opportunity for all the groups and clubs in the town to take part.

“The colour of the procession and the county flags that are carried make it just fantastic.”

The festival began on Friday evening before a full day of celebration Saturday and Sunday.

Irish music at venues across the town mixed with fun-themed events like the spud picking and peeling championships and the first-time Irish pizza competition.

Another first this year was the Flaming Folk Parade, culminating in the naming of the Flaming Folk Person of the Year, won by Port Fairy youngster Isabella Condon, 10.

Organiser Adele McDonald said it was a light-hearted way to celebrate a common Irish trait.

“Isabella was thrilled to win it and plans to head back next year in her sash,” Ms McDonald said. “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about it and it will just continue to grow.”

The Australian Danny Boy Championships was a major drawcard of Saturday night’s entertainment before another busy program of events on Sunday, beginning with the Big Brekkie and Last Laugh. 

Celebrations then got a little more active with the Gaelic games carnival at Victoria park, pitting visiting and local Gaelic footballers and camogie players in hotly-contested matches.

Mr Evans put the festival’s success down to offering fun for all ages. “The quality of the performers and the children’s activities were amazing,” he said.