A commitment by the Australian Celtic Festival committee to get the whole town involved in this year’s festival appears to have worked.

Committee Vice Chairperson Tamara Ferguson said that she has had nothing but positive feedback from the public, participants and town businesses regarding this year’s festival.

“The increase in crowd numbers from last year was amazing and this year really was a ripper of a festival,” she said.

“We had high calibre performers, a huge number of stalls and things like the strongman competition and the New England Medieval Arts Society were successful as always.

“Saturday night’s concert featuring Celia Pavey was brilliant and everyone had a great time which was good to see as the committee did try for a more modern perspective with this year’s music program.”

Singer Songwriter Celia Pavey said she had a lovely time at this year’s festival and was delighted with the response to her performance.

“I really enjoyed playing solo, it is a bit different from playing with my band and the crowd was great,” she said.

“I was enjoying playing so much that I added a song to my set that I wasn’t going to play.”

Glen Innes Mayor Cr Colin Price said he thought this year’s festival was very successful considering the weather forecast may have kept some people away.

“I thought the attendance was excellent and the standard of the performances was outstanding,” he said.

“Due to the professionalism of the committee I think the festival will go on to bigger and better things.

“Camping numbers were great and the caravan tourist numbers have grown, so the economic benefits for Glen Innes are not just for the weekend now but stretch out for up to a ten day period.”

The 2016 festival will be celebrating the Isle of Man and planning will begin at this year’s annual general meeting in May.