By Renee Wood
The River Folk Festival is returning for its third year with a stellar program of entertainment to be held in Warburton over three days from Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October.
The boutique arts, music and cultural festival offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy international, national, regional and local performers while celebrating place, diverse culture and creativity.
Festival director Sam Watson said the team are looking forward to celebrating the return of the event.
“The River Folk Festival is the only dedicated folk music festival in the Yarra Valley, and is committed to programming a diverse range of performing artists across the Festival weekend,” Mr Watson said.
Festival favourites headliners The Northern Folk (VIC) and multi award-winning Indigenous duo Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse (WA) are returning, alongside one of the most exciting gypsy-jazz outfits in Australia, Cigány Weaver (QLD).
Local and regional talent will also take centre stage and Mr Watson said the festival is also committed to ensuring a gender-balance across performing artists.
“Acknowledging that women in particular are under-represented in the music industry, while also supporting the local live events industry, including sourcing local performers, music mentoring programs, as well as engaging local suppliers and operators during the event,” he said.
The three day event will celebrate Warburton by hosting events across multiple venues and stages throughout the township.
“Patrons can expect a diverse range of programming across different venues, including an Opening Night Showcase Concert in The Arts Centre, Warburton, to kick off the event on Friday; the Sisters of Song Women’s Showcase – a dedicated all-women program celebrating women in music; the iconic Valley Market, Warburton on Sunday, featuring local and ethical artisan goods and a dedicated Children’s Space.”
Cancellations and postponements have been a challenge for the festival over the past couple of years but this has not waivered the teams dedication to live culture and music experiences.
“Although the event was unable to run in its usual format… We successfully hosted a monthly concert series in 2021, in place of the Festival – intimate one night events hosted in Warburton, featuring some of Australia’s finest folk music performers, with sold out show at The Arts Centre, Warburton,” he said.
So now the team are thrilled to see the community-based music festival return to its much-loved format, creating connection through culture and music.
“The culture of music sharing in folk traditions is a very communal one – and folk festivals and events in Australia and overseas present a larger opportunity for artists, patrons, staff and volunteers to co-create a beautiful experience for everyone, where there is less of a separation between organisers, artists and patrons.
“The River Folk Festival is driven by a desire to offer a place for joyous celebration through the transformative power of sharing live music.”
Tickets are now available for family-friendly event and children under 16 can receive free tickets.
Tickets available https://yarraranges.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/77312
