RESIDENTS of a small town south-west of Dubbo will be kicking up their heels for three days from Good Friday.

They will be joined by returning visitors and newcomers to the family-focused 12th annual Tullamore Irish Festival.

Irish food, beverages, costumes, music and entertainment will be on offer to a traditionally enthusiastic crowd.

Many of them will take part in the street parade on Saturday, April 4, officially the start of the festival.

"If you can dance, juggle, walk, ride, drive or anything else interesting you are more than welcome to be in the parade," say festival organisers.

On Good Friday the town's park will host Stations of the Cross from 3pm.

A Celtic concert from 6pm will feature Eric Bogle, Riogh, Saoirse and the Spreagadh Na Rince Dancers.

Saturday's parade will begin at 10.30am with participants asked to fill out an application form that can be found at tullamore.org.au.

Festival organisers are urging spectators to "grab a coffee, wave a flag and enjoy the parade from both sides of Cardigan Street".

Spectators are known to "get into the Irish spirit and be signing and dancing on the street".

The festival at Tullamore Showground will also feature market and food stalls to feed families who will be treated to a range of entertainment including U2 tribute band Elevation and Eric Bogle, the Tullamore Irish Hurdles, the Irish Tug of War and the Wearing of the Green competition that carries cash prizes.

Free entertainment for children includes rides and a jumping castle.

Entry to the festival is $30 for adults with everyone under 18 taking part free of charge.

"MC to many Irish festivals", Gerry Falkner will return to Tullamore to serve as festival master of ceremonies for the 11th year.

"The Tullamore Irish Festival is a family event which brings the community together and also shows visitors what a great town we live in," say festival organisers

"It's a fabulous excuse to get outside, have a yarn, meet new people and enjoy yourself."