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15 March, 2024

Folkie crowds brave the heat

DESPITE last weekend’s high temp-eratures, an estimated crowd of just over 12,000 people flocked to Port Fairy for the annual Folk Festival over the long weekend.


Folkie crowds brave the heat - feature photo

As has become tradition, the ‘Folkie’ once again saw thousands of visitors head to the coastal town to enjoy the music, food, entertainment and market stalls the event has become widely known for.

As temperatures soared into the high 30s across the district during the four-day event, organisers ensured patrons had access to water and cooling areas.

Due to the extreme heat on Saturday, a few outdoor events were cancelled including shows on Fiddlers Green in the village and the Flag Circle activities on-site.

The street markets and kids’ zone were also closed earlier than planned due to the heat.

To ensure the safety and comfort of audiences and volunteers, festival organisers ensured there was extra fans, cooling areas and free water stations (for refilling bottles).

Patrons were also notified of any schedule changes/updates on the festival’s free app and notifications were also placed on the main screens next to the stages.

Local artists from Warrnambool and surrounding towns featured on the program along with some of the greatest folk artists of our time including Graham Nash, Judy Collins, Ralph McTell and Sharon Shannon.

An estimated 20,000 people visited the township of Port Fairy over the weekend, with the two Moyne Shire caravan parks fully booked well in advance.

According to festival program director Justin Rudge, this year’s event was “simply amazing.”

“I’m still on a high from such a great weekend,” Mr Rudge said.

“Thankyou to everyone who stayed on to experience the festival and who braved the extreme heat on Saturday – your patience and understanding was an inspiration and we appreciate your care and kindness towards each other and our community.”

Mr Rudge also paid tribute to the hard-working and “always happy” volunteers, to the passionate Port Fairy village traders, and to the production team (including those who worked hard to keep the festival clean and safe) for all their work.

“We salute everyone who worked hard and contributed over the long weekend, leading up to the event and beyond,” Mr Rudge said.

“We’re all going to have a few days rest and then get to work on putting next year’s plan into action.”

The 2025 event is scheduled to be held on March 7-10.

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