The Australian Celtic Festival could soon spill out of the Standing Stones and into the streets of Glen Innes, under an ambitious five year plan now open for community feedback.
Glen Innes Severn Council endorsed the Draft Australian Celtic Festival Strategic Plan 2026 to 2030 for public exhibition at its Ordinary Meeting on 26 August, setting out a vision to turn one of the region’s biggest drawcards into a full blown cultural tourism experience, connecting the Australian Standing Stones with the Glen Innes CBD, surrounding villages, local businesses and attractions across the Highlands.
The draft plan promises more opportunities for local businesses, suppliers, performers, schools and community groups to get involved, and wants visitors staying longer and spending more around town rather than heading straight home after the festival ends. It also backs volunteer recruitment, training and succession, improved accessibility, transport and wayfinding around the festival grounds, and greater local procurement, all while protecting the festival’s cultural authenticity.
Mayor Margot Davis said the festival’s success should deliver meaningful and measurable benefits for the wider community.
“The Australian Celtic Festival is one of Glen Innes Severn’s most treasured and distinctive events. It supports local businesses and accommodation providers, creates opportunities for performers, traders, volunteers and community groups, and showcases the Glen Innes Highlands to visitors from across Australia and beyond,” Mayor Davis said.
“As we plan for the next five years, we also need to be clear about the resources required, how progress will be measured and how council and the community will be kept informed. That is why the draft plan will return to council following public exhibition, with further detail on accountability, financial sustainability, performance measures and implementation reporting.”
The festival is already punching well above its weight economically, generating an estimated $1.23 million in direct visitor expenditure and $1.79 million in total economic output for the Glen Innes Severn economy in 2026 alone. The draft plan aims to build on that contribution while maintaining community accessibility and strengthening financial sustainability and accountability.
Council staff will be available at the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre, 152 Church Street, from 1pm to 5pm on Wednesday, 9 September and Wednesday, 16 September, for anyone wanting to drop in, ask questions and share their feedback. No appointment is needed.
The draft plan is on public exhibition until Monday, 28 September. To have your say, visit haveyoursay.gisc.nsw.gov.au/draft-australian-celtic-festival-strategic-plan-2026-2030.
Social media excerpt: Could the Celtic Festival soon take over the whole of Glen Innes? A bold five year plan to grow its reach is open for feedback now, with drop-in sessions in September.
Tags: Margot Davis, Glen Innes Severn Council