Community
5 April, 2024
World champs return to Koroit
NEWLY crowned world championship dancers will be on stage at the Koroit Irish Festival later this month.
The Christine Ayres School of Irish Dancing has claimed first place in the Senior Mixed 8 Hand and Senior Ladies 8 Hand categories at the Irish Dance World Championships in Glasgow.
It will be the second time the dancers will venture to Koroit on the back of world championship titles, having done the same in 2018.
Koroit Irish Festival president Adele MacDonald said the world championships were a much-deserved reward.
“We know how hard Christine and her dancers work, it is wonderful to see them being recognised with such a huge honour,” Ms MacDonald said.
“They are a huge part of our Koroit Irish Festival family, they love coming to Koroit each year and we love having them.
“There is always such a buzz to know they will be at the festival but winning two world championships this year makes it even more exciting.”
Ms MacDonald said the relationship between the Melbourne-based dance group and the festival is an example of the event’s standing in the Australian Irish community.
She said the quality of acts at the festival had helped attractive ticket holders from all over Australia.
Joining the Christine Ayres School of Irish Dancing on the festival bill will be other long-time favourites including Maria Forde, Old Melbourne Road and The Ferriters.
New acts to the festival this year will include Pogues-inspired Irish rock bands Kellys Wayke, Double Shot Maggie and Madigan’s Wake.
Ms MacDonald said ticket sales were tracking ahead of last year.
“We do encourage people to get to our website and get their tickets as soon as possible,” she said.
“Earlybirds can save themselves $5 per ticket until April 12. Either way, the tickets are great value for money.”
The Koroit Irish Festival will be held from April 26-28.
