The National Folk Festival is back again for the Easter break from 13-17 April at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
Featuring over 180 Australian acts and 27 international artists, this year will be the ultimate celebration of all things folk as the festival invites you to unlock your creativity, re-ignite your artistic passion and dance to a brand-new beat.
Showcasing sounds from around the world, ranging from acoustic blues, roots, Celtic, traditional, gipsy, folk and country styles, the festival is said to be bigger and more exciting than ever. New programs available at the event to participate in include ‘Borderland Busking Comp’, ‘Fringe World’ and ‘People’s Program’.
Exhibition Park will also be populated with themed bars, food and market stalls, circus performers and roving musicians for your entertainment throughout the five days and nights over the Easter break.
In every nook of the National Folk Festival, you’ll find opportunities to immerse yourself in the colour, sounds, sights and food aromas of the festival matched with blackboard cafes and late night cider gardens.
The multi-disciplinary program is broad and innovative, offering diverse concert experiences and a wide variety of hands-on art, poetry, dance and music experiences to indulge in.
There is also an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to participate in the Pre-Festival Master Classes from 12-13 April at the Ainslie Arts Centre to receive some valuable experience and advice from some of the world’s most renowned folk artists.
However, if it’s dancing you’re looking for there is a style for everyone with the dynamic global dance program, which ranges from belly dancing, flamenco dancing, and dances from Macedonia, China, Scandinavia and Scotland.
A highlight on the program of events is the Creative Hearts Workshops as part of the festival’s Community Arts program this year, which entails demonstrations and workshops for hula-hoop making, woodwork, flower crowns, henna design, jewellery making, mosaics, face painting, screen printing, book binding and much more.
On a side note, sustainability and being environmentally friendly is one of the National Folk Festival’s commitments and passions and, as always, it has decided to promote this message to all festival members in 2017.
Clearly, this year has a fantastic program for the whole family for the 51st anniversary and to celebrate, the festival is offering discounted early bird tickets which are still available and range from full festival and camping tickets to day and night passes.
