Experience the Heart of Scotland at Overnewton Castle’s Annual Scottish Festival!

Don your kilt and gather your clan! The fourth annual Scottish Festival is returning to the magnificent grounds of Overnewton Castle for one grand day of celebration. Join us for a jam-packed festival honouring St Andrew’s Day and everything we love about bonnie Scotland.

From 11 am to 4 pm, the historic four-acre Scottish Baronial estate will come alive with the sights and sounds of Scotland.

A Day of Unforgettable Festivities

• For the Wee Bairns: Delight in face painting and enchanting entertainment
• Meet Highland Coos: Get up close with our adorable, hairy friends.
• Taste of Scotland: Savour the best Scottish scran from Melbourne’s top food suppliers
• Live Music: Tap your feet to live sessions from the Newport Craic and rousing shows from Drongo & The Crow
• Dance the Day Away: Join the Ceilidh dancing with the award-winning live band, Austral
• Explore the Market: Browse the Celtic Makers Market and discover unique Clan displays
• Traditional Performances: Be captivated by spectacular Highland dancers and bagpipe shows.

Pack a picnic, or tuck into mouth-watering bites from our food stalls. A full festival program will be available via QR code on the day, so you can plan your perfect Scottish adventure.

Festival Details

A Slice of Scotland in Melbourne

Built in 1849 by Scotsman William Taylor, Overnewton Castle is a living testament to Melbourne’s Gold Rush-era ties to Scotland. What began as a humble homestead was transformed into a grand Scottish Baronial Castle, making it the perfect backdrop for our celebration.

Explore the Festival Site

The festival spans the entire estate, both indoors and out:

• Grand Ballroom: Ceilidhs will be held throughout the day.
• Lush Lawns: Watch Highland dancers and pipers perform.
• Manicured Gardens: Find children’s entertainment and face painting.
• Onsite Car Park: Discover treasures at the craft market.

Grab a bite, sip something cold from our licensed bar, bring an instrument for the open music sessions, or simply roll out your picnic rug and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Live Entertainment Line-Up

• The Newport Craic: This six-piece Celtic session group will serenade you with Scottish favourites.
• Drongo & The Crow: Enjoy a delicious stew of early Australian colonial songs with a side of history, humour, and singalongs.
• Austral: Winners of the ‘Group of the Year’ 2024 AFMA, this high-energy group combines didgeridoo, Irish pipes, fiddling, and energetic foot percussion to get you in full party mode. Their dance caller will teach traditional Scottish dances for all to enjoy.
• The Victorian Scottish Pipers and Drums: One of Australia’s oldest pipe bands, performing both traditional and modern pipe band music.
• The Lyons Highland Dance Studio: Watch stunning performances from this nationally and internationally acclaimed dance studio.

Good to Know

• Parking: Ample parking is available just a short stroll away at Overnewton College. Reserved parking for wheelchair and mobility aid users is available direct to the gate.
• Accessibility: A reasonable level of mobility is required to access the full festival site. Companion cards are welcome.
• Restrictions: No dogs (assistance animals excepted) or BYO alcohol are permitted on site. All drinks must be purchased from our licensed bar.
• BYO Alcohol is not permitted.
• Wet Weather: In the event of rain, the event will still go ahead.