The 2026 Australian Celtic Festival is set to return to the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes from 30 April to 3 May, promising one of the country’s most unique and immersive cultural celebrations. Glen Innes Severn Council has announced that applications are now open for traders, performers, and clans or societies wishing to take part in next year’s event, which will honour the rich traditions of Scotland. Each year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Glen Innes Highlands for a vibrant program of music, dance, traditional and contemporary Celtic arts, and immersive historical experiences. The 2026 edition…
At its Ordinary Meeting held on 24 July 2025, Glen Innes Severn Council considered a range of matters spanning health infrastructure, financial reporting, planning proposals, renewable energy policy, and the future direction of the Australian Celtic Festival. Green Light for New CT Scanner Facility Council approved a development application for the establishment of a new CT scanning facility at 148 Church Street, Glen Innes. The application (DA 68/24-25) also included associated building alterations, signage, and external works. No objections were received during the public exhibition period, and the proposal was recommended for approval by Council’s consulting town planner. The applicant,…
Glen Innes Severn Council’s Draft Operational Plan for 2024–25 outlines a range of proposed increases to fees and charges across core services—including waste, water, sewer, development, and community events. These proposed changes come in addition to a potential Special Rate Variation (SRV), which—if approved—would further raise general rates for property owners across the region. While the SRV is still under consultation, the Council has already detailed increases to specific service charges and user fees as part of its strategy to address financial shortfalls and move toward long-term sustainability. As residents consider the full picture, the combined impact of higher rates,…
The featured nations at this year’s Australian Celtic Festival are Brittany, Cornwall and Wales. These three nations share a bond of language. Breton, Cornish and Welsh are closely related, known collectively as the Brittonic languages. This sets them apart from Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, where the languages are classified as Goidelic, or Gaelic, languages. Wales, Cornwall and Brittany have more in common than their ancestral languages, however. Before the rise of the Roman Empire, most of Europe was occupied by Celtic peoples. When the Roman Empire collapsed at the beginning of the 5th century, the Celtic regions…
Six years ago Kristina Sanne, Director and Lead Teacher at Jacaranda Highland Dancers in Grafton, was approached by a few persuasive Glen Innes families keen to have highland dancing classes made available in Glen Innes for their children. Despite some initial misgivings about the logistics of expanding her dance studio, and the commute up the Gwydir, Kristina said yes. She now teaches at the Masonic Lodge Hall on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, once a fortnight. The studio continues to grow and currently there are 20 children and 2 adult students from a wide range of backgrounds, not just for…
Who are the Skinner Boyz? Brothers Nathan and Joel Skinner aka The Skinner Boyz are fast becoming musical sensations in their adopted hometown of Glen Innes, where their musical careers are taking off. Nathan, who is older, and Joel grew up on the coast, sharing a love of surfing and music. Taught the guitar largely by his father, Nathan’s early musical influences included finger picking from the 30s, old country blues and “just about every song from Mississippi John Hurt”. Joel was taught the guitar by his father and also Nathan. He used to love listening to Nathan playing his…
With the Australian Celtic Festival kicking off this weekend, locals and visitors alike are on the lookout for the perfect Celtic-inspired outfit. For those wanting to dress the part while supporting a good cause, two Glen Innes non-profits are offering a treasure trove of tartan at budget-friendly prices. Out the Back Treasures, located behind Oasis Church at 70 Grey Street (opposite TAFE), is opening its doors today, Friday 2 May 2025, from 9am to 3pm. The shop boasts “ACRES of Tartans....Kilts, Skirts, Trousers, Caps, Scarves, Wraps, Jackets,” making it a one-stop shop for festival-goers wanting to embrace Celtic style. Meanwhile,…
Glen Innes motorists and residents are advised to plan ahead as several temporary road closures will be in place across the town for the 2025 Australian Celtic Festival, taking place from Friday 2 May to Sunday 4 May. The Glen Innes Severn Council has announced the following road closures to ensure the smooth running of festival events: Friday 2 May:Grey Street, between Bourke Street and Town Square, will be closed from 9:30am to approximately 1:45pm to accommodate the Festival Opening Ceremony. Saturday 3 May:Grey Street, from Lang Street to Meade Street, will be closed between 8:00am and 11:30am for the…
Begin your Celtic Festival Friday with an hour of glorious music hosted by the Glen Innes Severn Public and TAFE Library at 71 Grey St. The short and FREE concert will begin at 10 am with a 30 minute performance by soprano and harpist Siobhan Owen, described as having a ‘unique vocal style - blending her ethereal soprano voice with heart wrenching Celtic lilts.' A Welsh-born Australian, with Irish heritage, Siobhan is the invited ‘Honoured Guest for Wales.’ The music continues at 11am with the Abakus Celtic Trio presenting its 30 minute set. The Trio includes Kim Kirkman, voice, harp…
