The festival was one of the first south-west events to be forced to cancel after the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and ambassador Marie Conheady was excited for the return.

"It's a wonderful event for the town," she said. "We missed it dearly last year."

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Festival president Adele MacDonald is urging everyone to get their last-minute tickets now.

"Tickets are expected to sell out and there's and increasing the urgency on those wishing to attend to secure their tickets," she said.

Tickets for this year's event need to be pre-purchased online at the festival's website to ensure the festival's COVIDSafe Plan is adhered.

The Friday night concert has already sold out and there will be no ticket sales at the gate on Saturday.

There will be plenty of entertainment across the weekend with the return of the annual spud peeling and Danny Boy competitions, street procession, live music and Irish dancing showcases.

"It's really hard to pinpoint one part thing that's my most favourite because it's all great," Mrs MacDonald said. "It's such a colourful, entertaining and lively festival that every element is wonderful and there really is something for everyone.

"The Danny Boy competition is always a huge hit and we have some great talent lined up once again. The Gathering of the Green eyes is a new event and we're wanting to bring together as many people with the Irish trait. We're trying to encourage everyone to dress up in their Irish clothing for our fashion parade."

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Mrs MacDonald said it's been humbling to see tickets sell so well.

"It's a huge honour for the committee," she said. "We're all volunteers and we put in a lot of work to provide the best festival.

"It means so much for us to have a community response like this and to see so many people travelling.

"There's a buzz around town to get together and have a wonderful festival."

To grab your last-minute tickets to the Koroit Irish Festival head to koroitirishfestival.com.au

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