The Australian Standing Stones Management Board (ASSMB) organises and facilitates several hallmark ceremonies held at the festival and in Glen Innes, helping make the festival a unique celebration of Australia's Celtic heritage.
You can visit the ASSMB marquee on Saturday and Sunday near East Stone to say hello, ask a question, or find out about their role.
Check the Festival Program for confirmed timings and locations of the Ceremonies below.
Friday 1 May 11am - Glen Innes Town Hall & Town Square, Grey Street.
The Opening Ceremony marks the official opening of the 2026 Australian Celtic Festival acknowledging Scotland, and includes the lighting of the Friendship of the Flame, which symbolises the rekindling of old and new acquaintances in the Glen Innes Highlands.
The Lone Piper amongst the Stones begins the day with the evocative call of the pipes. The piper will lead all to Tynwald Hill followed by the parade of lanterns for the Dawn Flag Raising. Celtic Nations representatives will raise their respective flags lead by the Australian Standing Stones Management Board.
The Celtic Family Wall is home to many stones from around the Celtic world and acknowledges new and ancient connections to Celtic lands in addition to Celtic family connections throughout Australia and overseas. In 2026, there will be another unveiling with donors present.
Your Celtic family heritage can be included in the Celtic Family Wall display. Visit the Australian Standing Stones Management Board marquee near East Stone to find out more and pick up an application form. This is your way to be a part of the Australian Standing Stones commemoration of Celtic Heritage.
This ceremony acknowledges those who have passed who contributed significantly to the Australian Standing Stones project in the late 1980s and early 1990s during the inception, planning and raising of the monument.
At the time of the inauguration of the Stones in 1992, a select group of people were appointed as Guardians’ of the Australian Standing Stones to ensure the preservation of the ongoing integrity of the Stones and the protocols around Australia’s National Monument to Celtic heritage. This ceremony continues the tradition.
Conducted by the communities, societies, and clans, each for about 20 minutes:
This ceremony provides an opportunity for anyone present to place their tartan on the official table for it to be acknowledged and given a Celtic blessing. Information is given about the specific tartans presented, including the beautiful Glen Innes District tartan.
The formal conclusion of the 2026 Australian Celtic Festival. After the ceremonial lowering of the flags, the flags of Ireland and Isle of Man will be presented to the Mayor who will pass them on to representatives of those nations acknowledging the featured nations of the 2027 festival.
The Australian Celtic Festival is held in Glen Innes Highlands, Ngarabul Country.
Glen Innes Severn Council acknowledges and pays respect to the Ngarabul people as the traditional custodians of this land, their elders past, present and emerging, and to Torres Strait Islander people and all First Nations people.
