CelticFest Warwick announced sponsorship from local council and are busy preparing for the showgrounds' event on the King’s Birthday long weekend, October 4 to 5. CelticFringe events will be held in Warwick and surrounds from October 3 to 5.
The previous event in 2023 drew over 10,500 attendances across two days and generated over $1.3 million in economic impact for the region, this year's set to surpass expectations.
“CelticFest Warwick is a standout example of how grassroots community-led events can deliver real economic and cultural benefits to our region,” said acting Mayor for Southern Downs Regional Council, Sheryl Windle.
“By boosting local tourism, supporting small businesses and showcasing the Southern Downs as a vibrant destination, the festival plays a vital role in positioning our region as an event hub.
“Council’s sponsorship is a recognition of the incredible work done by passionate local volunteers to create an inclusive, cultural celebration that puts Warwick on the map."
CelticFest Warwick has two full days of entertainment including music, under the Main Stage Marquee and the new, more intimate Meadows Marquee. Into the Saturday night, there’ll also be a family ceilidh (bushdance) in The Pavilion.
Returning to CelticFest in 2025 are the Australian Highland Games Championships, living Medieval Village with displays of lost trades and medieval combat, highland cows from Keans-Agri Leyburn Highland Stud, Irish and highland dancing, horse events including the Friesian Performance Troupe and the Light Horse, Jacobite black powder displays, Irish wolfhounds, Celtic-themed markets, and Celtic-themed bar and food.
In addition, there’ll be workshops, including Scottish Country Dancing, a pop-up Celtic choir run by the Queensland Irish Choir – which will also perform – introductory Irish and Scots Gaelic, and Scottish Waulking Songs.
More than 83% of CelticFest Warwick 2023 attendees came from outside the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, with almost 62% staying at least one night, making CelticFest a valuable destination event for the region. The CelticFest organising committee also acknowledge the support of Tourism and Events Queensland’s Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP).
