Koroit Irish Festival organisers have billed this year’s event as the biggest yet, with Irish expats Damian Leith and Jimeoin to perform.
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Koroit Irish Festival committee member Adele MacDonald said the festival’s profile continued to build.
“This is the biggest line-up we have ever had,” Mrs MacDonald said.
She said ticket sales were strong and people were travelling from Tasmania, the Northern Territory and a couple from Ireland would attend the festival.
The three-day event, which begins on Friday, celebrates all things Irish including singing, dancing and Gaelic games.
Opening night at the Koroit Theatre features comedian Jimeoin, music by The Simpson Three and an Irish quiz. It sold out in two weeks.
Mrs MacDonald said it was hard to narrow down the extensive program to a handful of highlights.
“The biggest highlight is it’s the Irish festival’s 21st birthday and there’s going to be heaps of celebration and festivities,” she said.
“The street procession is going to be huge this year. There’s the Flaming Folk parade which celebrates people with red hair and the Irish Twins parade, which is a new addition in 2017.”
The term, used to describe two siblings born to the same mother within 12 months is “an historical stereotype that many Irish families have many children close in age”.
“While it seems it was more common decades ago, many families are still blessed with Irish twins in this modern era,” she said.
“Talk to a Koroit local and they can reel off a whole list of families in the area with Irish twins.”
There is $1000 prize money up for grabs for the Danny Boy competition which sees participants interpret the iconic song.
“The talent that comes out is amazing,” Mrs MacDonald said.
“Everyone’s got their own style. It’s just beautiful. It’s a great attraction.”
There is a 21st birthday cake display baked by community members, a children’s arena, an emerging talent competition, a church service with music by Maria Forde, stalls, art, and floral displays.
There will also be a big brekkie and Last Laughs session on Sunday, followed by women’s and men’s Gaelic football, with the women taking on a south-west team and a display of the stick-and-ball team sport camogie, which is similar to hurling.
Mrs MacDonald said the event was a huge community effort and thanked the volunteer committee for working to make it the “best yet”.
Tickets are available at koroitirishfestival.com.au or from the Commercial Road gate on Saturday.
