With its dramatic high country landscape, rich culture and iconic Standing Stones, Glen Innes has long been the NSW home of all things Celtic.
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Now The Australian Celtic Festival has been named as a finalist in the Events and Festivals section of the NSW Tourism Awards.
It’s the second time this year our unique festival has been nominated for a major tourism industry award.
Former festival committee chair Lara Gresham said the success of the event, now in its 27th year, was due to a true community effort by so many in Glen Innes.
“It's not the work of one individual, but many hundreds of people who get involved,” she said.
“Our festival is truly unique as it's not just a music festival, it’s a celebration of culture. We are the only ones who have the Standing Stones and that also makes it extra special,” she said.
The festival was also a finalist in this year’s Regional Tourism Awards.
“Being in the running for these awards gets our name out there even more, and more people are discovering not only the festival but the whole region and what we have to offer,” Ms Gresham said.
The festival also increasingly attracts international visitors and caravanners who often stay on in the area to explore.
"Accommodation is our biggest challenge, and we find people are having to book in Tenterfield, Inverell and Armidale. We are looking at ways to make it easier for people to stay outside Glen Innes and come in to enjoy the festival.”
Council’s events co-ordinator Navenka Fletcher said feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive.
“People really like the atmosphere and many are now returning year after year,” she said.
Joe Townsend from the NSW Business Chamber said events such as the Celtic Festival attract more visitors, who stay longer and spend more than events in other States.
Winners will be announced at the NSW Tourism Awards presentation night on Thursday 22nd November at Luna Park, Sydney.