Koroit Irish Festival to go ahead online

This weekend the region's famous Koroit Irish Festival will go ahead, with plenty of activities, Irish song and dance and prizes to be won.

The only difference is with coronavirus physical distancing restrictions still tightly in place, it will all take place virtually.

Festival president Adele MacDonald said it was all about keeping positive during a difficult time.

"We wanted to get everyone involved and keep the momentum and spirit going," she said.

"The way it will work is that people will submit photos and, or videos of themselves competing in all the events.

"We'll have our flaming folk, the spud picking and peeling, Irish fashions, the bread making competition, pizza competition and the Irish stout competition too.

"This is our chance to add some real joy to people's lives during this crazy time, we are very excited to be able to provide this platform for everyone to celebrate our wonderful festival together.

"It just adds to the whole fun of the Koroit Irish Festival, and we hope to be back bigger and better next year."

READ MORE:

Mrs MacDonald said a number of performers who were to play at the festival had sent videos that will be played on the day.

The public are also being encouraged to send suggestions for the ultimate Irish playlist as well as performing some songs themselves.

"It would be great to have families posting videos of themselves singing their favourite Irish songs for everyone to enjoy," she said.

"Our famous Koroit Irish Festival sashes will be up for grabs for the winners so there is plenty at stake.

"We can't wait, it will be such a fun day."

A full program of events will be available on Friday with Saturday's fun to run between 2pm to 10pm on the Koroit Irish Festival Facebook page.

While the 2021 tickets do not go on sale until January, the festival committee have opened a window this Saturday for anyone who wants to get in early.

The Friday night concert remains sold out, with a large number of ticket holders taking up the offer to carry forward their 2020 tickets to next year, Ms MacDonald said.

"We already have a waiting list of those who have held on to their Saturday Sunday tickets and who would like to get upgraded to the full weekend ticket if they become available," said Mrs MacDonald.

"Thank you so much to all who have carried forward your tickets, your support is amazing.

"As a volunteer community committee, the support of festival goers is incredibly and we thank you all very much."

Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.