One of Australia’s most loved folk festivals has undergone somewhat of a face lift with a new committee, but will continue to focus on the traditional elements which have kept punters returning for the last 30 years. Festival Committee Chair Marcus McLennan emphasised their dedication to preserving the legacy of the festival.

“Poetry and bush music has been the bread and butter of the festival since the early days, and we want to keep those traditions central to the festival program,” Mr McLennan said.

“But we also want to appeal to a wider audience by including contemporary Aussie folk and other genres.”

Walking down the main street of Gulgong is like taking a stroll through Australian history books. The beautiful heritage town boasts four fabulous drinking holes which bubble over with live music, jam sessions, poetry and laughter throughout the festival.

This annual celebration of the Australian bush and folk tradition has played a major part in preserving these traditions while making them accessible to the next generations.

Along with a plethora of performances, the festival also hosts the poet’s breakfast, a range of traditional workshops, a guitar competition and blackboard concerts for the up and coming performer.

There is also the popular John Dengate Political Satire Songwriting Competition, where aspiring satirists tip their hat to the late great Australian Son John Dengate and his sharp witted approach to song writing.

The Bushwackers will be a huge draw card for the festival, with a concert on December 30 followed by the popular bush dance on New Year’s Eve. 

Artist applications are now open, anyone interested in performing at the festival should email gulgongfolkfest@gmail.com.

Further details are available on the website: gulgongfolkfestival.net.au