Get Your Kilt On The Australian Celtic Festival Celebrates the Year of Scotland

from Get it Magazine March 2023 Issue

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The 2023 Australian Celtic Festival is set to honour The Year of Scotland with the help of a very special international guest. We chat to Kilted Yoga founder Finlay Wilson and get the inside scoop on his exclusive retreat, his playful twist on traditional yoga and what you can expect from the Festival this May. Now in its 31st year, the Australian Celtic Festival is back for another action-packed program from the 4th to 7th of May, set to the backdrop of the stunning Glen Innes Highlands and its signature Autumnal weather of the New England High Country.

A special featured guest will join the festival line-up this year, the inimitable Finlay Wilson, founder of the Kilted Yoga phenomenon. Finlay is set to host an exclusive Kilted Yoga Day Retreat on Thursday the 4th of May at the stunning and historical Waterloo Station, where guests can anticipate an exciting day to set the tone for the weekend of celebrations ahead.

Having honed his craft over the last 15 years, Finlay has developed his signature style of Kilted Yoga, which welcomes individuals at all skill levels to get moving and have fun along the way.

A uniquely freeing yoga discipline (which will certainly have you pondering the logistics of a few poses!), Finlay delivers every session with his engaging sense of humour and inclusiveness, meeting students where they’re at for an uplifting and invigorating experience.

For those lucky enough to secure places for the Kilted Yoga Day Retreat, you can expect pose options for all levels, accessible language and an environment where you’re free to give it a go, learning to work with your body in a new way, develop confidence and of course, have some laughs.

We caught up with Finlay ahead of his time here in Australia, sharing with us, “Kilted Yoga encompasses some of my ideals but it draws from the Forrest, Hatha and Ashtanga lineages of yoga,” he explains, “A big part of my work is helping beginners find a practice that works for them and enables a way to navigate injury in a way that feels physically rewarding.”

Each class will begin with breathwork, followed by a warm-up and sequences that will leave you charged up for the rest of your weekend, with Finlay’s sessions showcasing the breathtaking locations across Waterloo Station, an iconic homestay on the outskirts of Glen Innes with deep-running Scottish heritage.

“People can expect to laugh and learn and meet conventional yoga poses flipped to get the most out of them”, Finlay tells us, “It’s less about how it looks and more about how it feels!”

Clear your heart and mind, get your body into gear and capture the spirit of Scotland Downunder with the help of your talented host Finlay. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are fully catered for your retreat day, plus special guest speakers and plenty of opportunity to explore the beautiful property.

“The retreat is the perfect downtime before the festival where guests can take in the stunning surroundings, and work closely with me,” Finlay adds, “Clean air, good food, refreshments and entertainment – all set to gear shift you into the weekend ahead!”

Though Waterloo Station’s luxury accommodation is booked out, for those looking to truly immerse themselves, they are offering an area with amenities exclusively for those attending the day retreat, providing you with a unique Celtic Festival experience.

Festival attendees can also catch Finlay and his Kilted Yoga demonstrations and workshops at the Australian Standing Stones on Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 May (see official program for all details), including an attempt at the biggest Kilted Yoga gathering in the Southern Hemisphere (don’t forget your kilt and a good sense of humour!).

With the 2023 Australian Celtic Festival just around the corner, why not bring your friends and family together for an unforgettable weekend, including a welcome concert, street parades and much more.