The 2026 Australian Celtic Festival (ACF) has delivered a strong economic result for the region, generating an estimated $1.23 million in direct visitor spending, with flow-on effects increasing total economic output to $1.79 million for the Glen Innes Severn economy.
The ACF attracted strong crowds, with almost 4,000 tickets issued across a growing program extending beyond the main festival site at the Australian Standing Stones National Celtic Monument and throughout Glen Innes.
Glen Innes Severn Mayor Margot Davis said the figures demonstrated the festival’s value extended well beyond ticket sales.
“This is exactly why the Australian Celtic Festival matters,” Davis said.
“The Australian Standing Stones remain the heart of the Festival, but the experience extends right across Glen Innes. The ACF program includes events at local venues throughout the township, bringing visitors into town and encouraging them to spend more time with local businesses.”
“The Library alone had 570 visitors on the Friday of the Festival, which is an incredible figure. The benefits are felt by accommodation providers, cafes, pubs, clubs, retailers, service stations, suppliers and community groups, not just at the Festival gates,” she said.
Davis said the estimated $1.79 million economic benefit reinforced the ACF’s importance as both a major cultural event and a key driver of the Glen Innes visitor economy.
“ACF is one of Glen Innes’ signature events and one of our strongest tourism assets,” she said.
“It gives people a reason to visit, stay, spend and return. That is the benefit the ACF brings for our community and that is why Council continues to invest in events that support the local economy.”
Planning is already underway for the 2027 Australian Celtic Festival, which will celebrate the Year of Ireland and the Isle of Man.
The ACF will return to Glen Innes from 29 April to 2 May 2027, with the community and visitors once again invited to gather at the Australian Standing Stones and across the Glen Innes Highlands.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.