The National Folk Festival Comes to Canberra

By Benjamen Judd

One of Australia’s longest running music festivals, The National Folk Festival, is back in Canberra and taking over Exhibition Park for five days from April 2 until April 6.

Since launching in 1967 and wandering across Australia until finally settling in Canberra in the early ‘90s, The National Folk Festival has secured a place in the heart of music fans, campers, indie insiders and lovers of a good time.

Dubbed Folkies by regular attendees, the festival transforms Exhibition Park into an enormous, multi-staged concert space filled with colour and sound. Although there is a focus on nurturing and fostering of local talent as much as possible, the festival is also a draw card for some of the best international folk acts.

This year’s line-up is a mix of contemporary, traditional, the avant garde and the straight up joyful. Some of the talents you will be able to see and hear this year are Melbourne solo choral performer Aphir; Afro-Celt fusion band Baka Beyond; Canberra’s very own Brass Knuckle Brass Band; and Old Timey Appalachian Banjo duo, Cat & Clint.

One of the biggest reasons that Folkies is such a hit is the environment – it’s the kind of event that has something for everyone of all ages, including the kids. That, and the fact that you can pitch a tent and make a getaway of it! Who doesn’t love camping over Easter? Especially when it involves a whole bunch of live musicians!

But, should the idea of a dirt floor and communal showers get too much for you (and, let’s be honest, it often does) QT Canberra has the perfect Easter package available throughout April. You can treat yourself to a decent sleep, a hearty breakfast in our Capitol Bar and Grill and get all freshened up before you head back in. Pampered, showered, fed and looking like someone who just had the best sleep of their life…

The National Folk Festival will take place at Exhibition Park from April 2 until April 6.