mmg.com.au

Echuca-Moama is gearing up for a massive weekend of music, art, fun and entertainment for the annual Celtic festival.

The event, in its sixth year, celebrates the Celtic spirit, with a host of free activities throughout the town.

Festivities kick into full swing tonight, with a gala opening at Radcliffe’s Restaurant.

Tomorrow there is a host of activities, including a village fair, family concert, workshops and street performances.

Among the artists performing on the weekend is renowned South African flautist Wouter Kellerman.

Other highlights include the popular Big Rory and Ochie. Rory is an eye-catching 3m tall Scotsman who has entertained people throughout the world with his companion ‘Ochie’.

Musicians will perform at the American Hotel, Antonios, Beechworth Bakery, Bridge Hotel, Ceres, Echuca Hotel, Hare St, High St, Moama’s Kerabee Sound Shell, Moama Bowling Club, Moama Sports Club, Office 3564, Old Port Cafe, Oscar Ws, Palace Hotel, paddlesteamers Canberra, Emmylou and Pevensey, Radcliffes, Rich River Golf Club, Shamrock Hotel, Star Hotel, Wistaria and Woolworths Moama during both days.

The Echuca-Moama community has backed the Friends of the Festival campaign.

In the lead-up to the event, businesses and residents were asked to donate $110 to help cover the costs of free community events.

Organiser Ross Veale expected about 50 people to sign up as friends of the festival, but earlier this week about 90 people had signed up.

Mr Veale said the community support was a shot in the arm for the not-for-profit festival.