After a two-year hiatus, Maldon is finally able to host its 47th Folk Festival. With a huge line-up of local, and international performers, this weekend (Friday through to Sunday) is set to be an incredible experience for lovers of all things folk.
With 55 acts, appearing over four days, featuring local artists and performers travelling from New Zealand, the United States, and Ireland, it’s an event not to be missed.
Folk Festival Event Organiser Pam Lyons told the Mail, “Everyone’s really enthusiastic. We’ve got a huge number of volunteers from Maldon and surrounds, lots of billets, and tickets are selling fast,” said Pam.”We don’t really ever have ‘headlines’ everyone’s really, really, good. Although we do have Claymore and Rich Davies and the Low Roads who are local favourites.”
There will be performances from local artists the Darling Buds of Maldon, Jam Tarts, Harpers Bizarre, Mick Coates, and the Steiner School Orchestra and would the festival be folk if it didn’t include a poetry recital or two? Featuring performances from locals Marty and Richard Leech and an old-time favourite Campbell the Swaggie.
Campbell is a fair dinkum reciter of Aussie Bush Poetry, who roves the country attending markets and festivals from Darwin down to the Victorian Markets. Campbell raises funds for the Royal Flying Doctors and emergency relief appeals to assist premature and chronically ill children.
While not an official part of the festival events, there will be one person sorely missing; local character Steve McMahan, who sadly passed earlier this year. Steve always got into the spirit of the festival with performances at his wine bar, 48 Main, and created a special space for music and friends all year round. He will be missed by many.
Pam, who joined the festival committee in 2012, has been working tirelessly to bring together a remarkable group of artists ever since.
“I love the weekend when the town fills up, performers are playing, and I’m able to walk around and talk to people.”
Maldon’s historic streetscape truly comes alive during each Folkie, with a relaxed and friendly vibe that takes you back to the days of old.
Make sure to pop down this weekend and check it out for yourself! For ticket information, visit the festival website.
