In the heart of Victoria, Australia’s most Irish town, Koroit, is gearing up for its annual Irish Festival, and this year, love is in the air. With a theme centred around Irish Love, the festival promises to be a celebration of the deep bonds and enduring spirit that define this close-knit community.

From April 26th to 28th, Koroit will come alive with the vibrant colours and rich traditions of Irish culture. The streets will be adorned with shamrocks and banners, while the air will be filled with the sounds of traditional music and laughter.

At the heart of the festival are the quirky competitions that have become beloved fixtures of the event. From the Spud Trilogy, featuring potato picking, peeling, and eating contests, to the Flaming Folk Parade, where proud redheads strut their stuff, there’s no shortage of fun and frivolity to be had.

But amid the laughter and merriment, there’s also a more serious side to the festival. This year, the organisers have chosen Maureen Keane, a beloved figure in the Koroit community, as the festival’s ambassador. Maureen’s tireless dedication to her family and her community embodies the spirit of Irish love that the festival seeks to celebrate.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the ambassador for this year’s festival,” says Maureen. “It’s a true honour to represent Koroit and everything it stands for.”

As the festival approaches, excitement is building in Koroit and beyond. 

With tickets already on sale, anticipation is high for what promises to be a weekend of love, laughter, and Irish charm.

So, mark your calendars and join the fun in Koroit for a celebration like no other. Come for the music, stay for the craic, and experience the magic of Ireland in Australia’s most Irish town.

Tickets for the festival are available now at https://www.trybooking.com/CMZNQ.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

SPUD TRILOGY: The Spud Trilogy is a potato competition which includes Spud Picking, Spud Peeling, and Spud Eating. After the spuds are picked and peeled by contestants, it’s face down in mashed spuds.

FLAMING FOLK PARADE: One of the most popular events at the Koroit Irish Festival is the redhead parade. Proud redheads come from far and wide, and the Flaming Folk Person of the Year is crowned.

DANNY BOY:  The festival is home to the Australian Danny Boy Championship song contest. The person who belts out the best rendition of the iconic song Danny Boy wins a large cash prize. 

GATHERING OF GREEN EYES: Another very popular event that celebrates the looks of the Irish, A Gathering of Green Eyes sees people with green eyes compete for the best peepers.

AUSTRALIA’S MOST IRISH NAME: Past winners of this new national title were Aoife Nally and Jameson Wood.

DRESS UP A LEPRECHAUN: People around Koroit dress a leprechaun and display it at the front of their businesses and houses to win prizes.

Picture: Maureen Keane has been chosen as ambassador for the 2024 Koroit Irish Festival.