C’MON AND GET CELTIC
The largest celebration of Celtic culture in the southern hemisphere, The National Celtic Festival, is set to return to the idyllic surrounds of Port Arlington in Victoria from Friday June 6 to Monday June 9. With tickets now on sale, the line-up will include Barrule (Isle of Man), The Druids (IRE), Heartstring Quartet (UK), Fèis Rois (Scotland), Mairead Hurley (IRE), Fiona Ross (Scotland) and a host of Australian acts as well.
More info and ticket purchases at www.nationalcelticfestival.com
EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD COFFEE
Melbournians thrive on coffee. To learn more about how to construct your favourite latte, come and join hundreds of coffee fanatics at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo. Egg on Melbourne’s best baristas at the latte art competition, take part in cup tastings and learn which blends suit even the harshest palate.
From May 15-18 at the Melbourne Showgrounds, tickets available now.
GOOD FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
From May 30-June 1 the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will host the Good Food and Wine show. Showcasing the enviable food and wine culture Melbourne has to offer, the event will seek to educate patrons via tastings, forums and presentations from the best ‘foodies’ around.
See www.goodfoodshow.com.au for event details
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL
Anime enthusiasts can rejoice – the Melbourne International Animation Festival kicks off June 19. Come and celebrate over 400 recently released, historical and retrospective animation from around the world at the AMCI with a myriad of screenings, workshops and presentations.
See www.miaf.net for more details.
PURE AUSTRALIAN JAZZ
May just might be unofficial Jazz month of 2014, with the launch of the Stonnington Jazz festival on May 15. Over ten days the crème de la crème of Australian Jazz music will perform in various venues south of the Yarra River, showcasing some phenomenal talent.
Tickets on sale now, see www.stonningtonjazz.com.au
SPLENDOUR LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
After months of speculation, the highly anticipated Splendour in the Grass line-up is out. As rumoured, Outkast will headline the three-day Byron Bay festival – returning from a ten year hiatus. London Grammar, Lily Allen, Angus and Julia Stone, Foster the People, Violent Soho, Two Door Cinema Club and Ben Howard will also perform.
Tickets on sale May 2, get in quick PEARL-ers.
HEIDI BOND