Since its inception in 1974 the Maldon Folk Festival has grown from a small gathering where performers often played for free and, if lucky, received money from donations tossed into a blanket being passed around the crowd, to an event that attracts thousands of people to the historic gold mining town.
The festival was established by a small group of local performers as a gathering for musicians – somewhere to meet, play and showcase their many talents. The aim of the festival was to bring folk music to the people – to relax, entertain and be entertained.
The first couple of festivals were held at the footy oval with the stage being the back of a truck, later moving out to the Butts Reserve at Mt Tarrangower and now full circle, back into town with all venues from the centre of town.
Venues include a full concert experience at the Progress Hall, the Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum, a completely acoustic sound at the Anglican Church, an intimate venue at the Neighbourhood Centre and live performances aboard the Victorian Goldfields Railway steam train.
Festival director Pam Lyons said this year’s program included a wonderful mix of new and old, featuring a range of different sounds and beautiful voices.
“We have people coming back every year, including people who have been coming since the very first Folky – which is pretty amazing,” Pam said.
“Back then the festival was a bunch of free hippies dancing barefoot at the Butts!
“We’ve had to move the festival into town now, but I think that’s okay, because no one wants to go barefoot at the Butts these days.
“Having all the events in, or walking distance to, town is a great way for the businesses to get involved.”
Festival highlights include performances by Albi and the Wolves playing everything from soul-stirring ballads to ear worming, foot stomping hoe downs, Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham whose music is joyous and uncontrived, Nick Charles – Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues, retro four-piece rockabilly/rock’n’roll band Rhiz and The Sugarplums and Enda Kenny whose thoughtful, descriptive stories have struck a chord with festival audiences worldwide.
Other highlights include performances by Alan Reid who has performed Scottish folk music, Michael Waugh a compelling live performer and extraordinary storyteller, The Nightingales – who are a formidable combination comprising vocals, harp, guitar, piano and more, Sadie Mustoe – contemporary pop-indie-folk music storyteller, Kevin McCarthy performing music from Australia’s Crocodile Coast, award-winning indie folk duo Saije and much more!
The ever-popular Campbell the Swaggie will return to recite his fair-dinkum Aussie bush poetry and Michael the Ballonologist will enthrall audiences with his single and multi-balloon creations.
The 2024 Maldon Folk Festival will run from November 1 to November 4. Visit www.maldonfolkfestival.com for more information or for ticket purchases.
