National Folk Festival (Australia) facts for kids

The National Folk Festival (NFF) is a super fun, family-friendly event in Australia. It's a big celebration of folk music and culture! Every year, around Easter, it takes place in Australia's capital city, Canberra.

The festival has won many awards, like the National Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Best Festival in 2009. It features lots of stages with amazing artists from all over the world. You can also find workshops, craft stalls, cafes, and food.

The very first festival was held in Melbourne in 1967. For many years, from 1969 to 1991, the NFF moved around to different cities and towns across Australia. Since 1992, the festival has been held at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) every Easter, from Thursday to Monday. The festival was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. In 2021, it was a smaller, two-day event called Good Folk, held in Queanbeyan, New South Wales. It returned to its usual spot and time in 2022.

History of the Festival

Early Days and Travel

The first festival happened at the Teachers College, Melbourne University on February 11-12, 1967. Back then, it was called the "Port Phillip District Folk Music Festival." It was started by some folk music clubs and performers like Martyn Wyndham-Read and Glenys 'Glen' Tomasetti. They were inspired by the Newport Folk Festival in the United States.

From 1969 to 1991, the festival traveled to a different state each year. It was held in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, Fremantle, and Alice Springs. It also visited smaller towns like Kuranda and Maleny.

Festival Finds a Home

By the late 1980s, it became very expensive and difficult for different states to host the festival every year. So, from 1992 until now, the festival has stayed in Canberra. It's held at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC). Sometimes, they have a "feature state" on the program. This means more artists from that state get to perform.

Dealing with COVID-19

The 2020 festival couldn't happen because of rules from the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. In 2021, a smaller, two-day version called "Good Folk" was held. It took place in Queanbeyan, NSW, on Saturday, April 3, and Sunday, April 4. Even though it was smaller, it was a success and people loved it.

The festival successfully came back after COVID-19. It returned to its normal time and place in April 2022. Plans for the 2023 festival are already underway!

What Happens at the Festival?

A section of the National Folk Festival in 2019.

A Village of Fun

The festival usually takes over Exhibition Park in Canberra. For five days, it turns into a lively, colorful village! You'll find many music and dance stages, cafes, themed bars, and stalls. There's a special 'Community Arts' area where you can see and try out different art forms. The 'Tradition Bearers' area shows how Australian crafts are made. You can even buy unique gifts there.

There's also a traditional Bush Camp. It looks like an old Australian bush setting. You can enjoy authentic performances and taste delicious bush-style damper, stew, and Billy Tea. You can even camp right next to the festival grounds. Up to 5,000 people can camp there! In 2011, about 50,000 people attended the event. Around 800 to 1100 volunteers help make the festival happen.

Music, Dance, and More!

The festival has over 140 concerts. You'll also see many spontaneous street performances. There are workshops where you can learn to make, play, or fix musical instruments. You can also try visual art, storytelling, and poetry. Many dance workshops are offered too. Plus, there are at least 60 craft stalls and over 30 food vendors. You can also find five fun themed bars with restaurant areas.

The Famous Session Bar

For all five days of the festival, there's almost continuous music in the famous "Session Bar." It's known as the 'London Underground' of folk music! The music only stops for a short time in the early morning. Then it starts up again mid-morning for another round-the-clock session of music and culture.

The festival features performers from Australia and around the world. The organizers make sure to include all kinds of folk, ethnic, and Indigenous music.

Grand Concerts and Balls

The festival has exciting Opening and Closing Concerts. These happen in the large Budawang Pavilion, which can hold 3,000 people. Every night, there's a grand dance event. On Friday night, it's a Scottish Ball. Saturday features an Irish Ceili. Sunday night has an Australian Colonial Ball. You can also find a colorful range of other dance styles. These include Latin, tango, flamenco, and contra dance.

The National Folk Festival at EPIC has several large indoor venues. This means concert-goers can enjoy music and performances no matter the weather!