To mark the 50th milestone festival in 2016, the National Folk Festival has lined up a special celebratory program of iconic folk artists and festivities dating back through its history to 1967.
Back in the swinging ’60s with a humble $100 start-up fund, the National Folk Festival placed a strong focus on drawing attention to Australian folk song and lore.
Becoming a touring festival in 1969, criss-crossing through the country with an ever-growing popularity, in 1993 a permanent home base was needed, and was found, at Exhibition Park, Canberra, where it continues to be held every Easter weekend.
Fast-forward to 2016, and to mark the eclectic history of the National Folk Festival,this year’s 50th anniversary weekend will feature a massive series of special events, including the Founder’s Concert, harking back to 1967 with reimaginings of songs performed at the very first National Folk Festival, as well as the Songwriter’s Concert, revisting iconic works from festivals right across the event’s history as well as celebrating the new generation of Australian folk songwriting.
With many other special events paying homage to folk music immemorial, the 50thNational Folk Festival promises to go down in history in its own right as being a pivotal event in the exposure and endurance of Australian folk music.
The 50thNational Folk Festival will feature an A-list of over 200 international and national artists across 18 venues at Exhibition Park, Canberra on the Easter weekend, Thursday March 24 – Monday March 28.
