The award winning Australian National Folk Festival celebrated its 21st birthday in Canberra this weekend, featuring a world-class music and dance program providing a total folk arts experience from slick concert performances to grass roots foot stomping, hands on activity. The first ever folk festival was held in Port Philip Bay in Victoria in 1967 and, for the following 20 years, was held in a different Australian state. Organisational logistics and the need for financial stability saw the management of the event adopted by the Australian Folk Trust in1992. Since then, the National Folk Festival has been held on the Easter weekend at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) and every year a different state is featured 'to reflect the touring tradition of the event'. International folk superstars from around the world headlined this year's National Folk Festival. The 2013 lineup of close to 800 musicians and singers, and 450 dancers, includes Irish singer/songwriters Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, Seth Lakeman from the UK, Finbar Fury from Ireland, Kieran Kane from the USA and David Francey from Canada. Other highlights featured spectacular and colourful 'street' performances by The Con Artists (musicians from the Community Ensemble of Wollongong Conservatorium of Music), Canberra-based Tribalista Bellydance, folk singer Tim Humphreys, French pop gypsy swing group Belle Jar, as well as lively Morris Dance flash mobs, among many others. One word: OUTSTANDING! 
Peter and I attended the event on Easter Sunday thanks to the generosity of the kind folk on the marketing committee of the National Folk Festival. I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for hosting us at this memorable event! Tell me, have you ever attended the National Folk Festival in Canberra as a visitor or performer?
16 Comments
Lizzy
31/3/2013 04:03:40 pm
Thanks so much, Amanda... wow... how great that we have these opportunities to see and hear these wonderful entertainers. And thanks for your kind words about the photographs... I had good subjects. ; )
Lizzy
31/3/2013 04:02:23 pm
That is was, Giulia... even more it was thoroughly entertaining and uplifting! 31/3/2013 11:09:35 pm
Maurie and I have attended many times and we love it! Unfortunately we missed this year's and last.
Lizzy
1/4/2013 08:30:54 am
It's a wonderful event, isn't it Christine. I could have lost myself there all weekend, I think. 1/4/2013 10:31:17 am
What a great day indeed Lizzy! I have to admit I haven't been to the folk festival here before, but I've been often to the Woodford folk festival in Queensland, and it's a great day out for sure :)
Lizzy
1/4/2013 09:03:20 pm
Bec, may I suggest you plan to go next year.... it's absolutely brilliant! 1/4/2013 03:20:06 pm
Fantastic Liz! Colourful folk, lovely! We have a Folk & Bluegrass Festival here in Dorrigo every October. It's a great thing for our little town. In case you're interested here's a link. http://www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au/
Lizzy
1/4/2013 09:03:49 pm
Thanks for that Jane... I will put it on my list of places to visit in retirement.
Lizzy
3/4/2013 08:05:18 pm
You would love this, Maureen, such a wonderful uplifting event!
Lizzy
3/4/2013 10:16:33 pm
Tandy, thank you, I had AWESOME subjects ; )
Lizzy
10/4/2013 03:48:19 am
My absolute pleasure... The Con Artists are amazing and my partner and I would go out of our way to hear you play again!!! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Hi. I'm Liz. I'm a writer, cook and traveller based in Canberra, Australia.
I love the process of writing and the stringing together of words to form a story borne from the wisp of an idea. I also greatly enjoy cooking and travelling. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes, postcards and morsels from my adventures, conversations with cookery writers and chefs, and news on food and cooking.  Search by topicNB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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