With a convivial and inclusive atmosphere and a diverse range of local and international artists on offer, the Port Fairy Folk Music Festival is an essential annual event for the dedicated music lover. Entering its 42nd year in 2018, the lineup for Port Fairy’s renowned three day Folk Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of music and culture.
Since its onset in 1977, the festival has evolved into a intricate piece of the coastal Victorian town, and has earned Port Fairy global recognition in the world of folk music, continuously creating a beautiful spirit that you can’t buy or brand. This year the annual celebration will be held from 9 – 11 March, and host emerging and established artists that reflect a multitude of cultures, generations, and genres.
So far the 2018 line up has already included several exciting names and special performers; Melbourne Ska Orchestra – with 25 or more musicians the orchestra are known for their explosive and infectious live performances and Breabach who are a multi award winning Scottish ensemble, bringing their Celtic sound to the festival for the first time. These are among a huge line up of names, both local and international performers each with a unique and memorable sound.
These include performances from Jack Broadbent (UK), Andy Irvine & Luke Plumb (IRE), The Topp Twins (NZ), The Teskey Brothers, YolanDa Brown (UK), Steve Poltz (US), Harry Manx (CAN), Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse, Faith I Branko (CRO), The Mexicans, Sophie Koh & Her Lady Choir, The Ahern Brothers, Mental As Anything, Rebecca Barnard, Declan O’Rourke (IRE), Alan Kelly Gang (IRE), The Brothers Comatose (USA), John Spillane (IRE), Pauline Scanlon (IRE), Chris While & Julie Matthews (UK), Troy Cassar-Daley, Gordie Mackeeman & His Rhythm Boys (CAN), Nano Stern (Chile) and The Band Who Knew Too Much. More names and performances are still being announced and the full line up should be available towards the end of December.
The upcoming festival will also play host to the special event of Exile: Songs and Tales of Irish Australia. Celebrating themes of Irish history and featuring a range of Australian and Irish who will celebrate the Irish impact on Australian life through a number of aspects.
While the music is obviously the main draw of the festival there are several other reasons to head down to Port Fairy during these dates, including the chance to explore one of the oldest sea side fishing towns and a year-round tourism destination.
The Port Fairy Folk Festival also has the largest interactive handheld instrument exhibition in the country, here there is also a chance to chat to creators and watch instruments be crafted live. For the kids, the festival also hosts CraftworX – a range of art and craft workshops for children to make something artistic, useful and educational to take home. The streets will also be full of street performers, craft and market stalls, workshops and family friendly activities to ensure a complete experience for all.
When & Where: Port Fairy – Friday 9th – Monday 12th March, 2018
For more info visit www.portfairyfolkfestival.com
Written by Perri Digby
