Folk has always been inclusive, says National Folk Festival managing director, Heidi Pritchard, and this year’s festival is set to be the most inclusive yet, with an array of First Nations and LGBTQI+ performers, plus improved accessibility onsite.

Speaking at the festival’s media launch this morning, Ms Pritchard said “Canberra’s cultural gem” is set to dazzle at Exhibition Park for its 56th year on the Easter long weekend. Over five days, Thursday 28 March to Monday 1 April, the festival site will come alive with music, dance, circus, and a community spirit that champions participation and celebration.

“Emphasising inclusivity, we are welcoming Grace Petrie, an outspoken LGBTQI+ advocate and one of the world’s leading folk voices from the UK,” Ms Pritchard said. “The festival also features an all-inclusive dance ball hosted by LGBTQI+ Irish Set Dancing group Queer The Set, complemented by a performance from the Canberra Qwire, ensuring a night of unity and celebration.”

First Nations programming is a cornerstone, she said, with performances by Radical Son, poetry workshops by Us Mob, and dance sessions with Wiradjuri Echoes. The Green Hand Band and Alinta Barlow, in collaboration with ANU’s Yil Lull Studio, highlight the festival’s commitment to First Nations artists.

The festival is also using a grant from the ACT Government to improve accessibility onsite.

Ms Pritchard said this year’s festival brings rich folk traditions while celebrating the diversity of Australian society and folk culture. Bringing over $5.76 million into the ACT economy, she said the National Folk Festival is proud to be a major player in Canberra’s cultural scene.

According to Ms Pritchard, artistic co-directors Chris Stone, Holly Downes, and Michael Sollis have curated a festival that fosters connections, sparks creativity, and celebrates diversity.

“Festivalgoers can expect an exhilarating experience of joining artists onstage, discovering new perspectives, and immersing in cultural celebrations rooted in our principles of excellence, inclusion, integration, and sustainability,” she said.

“Our music lineup is a testament to the festival’s diversity and appeal. David Bridie, a singer-songwriter and national treasure, will share narratives that resonate with everyday Australian experiences. The Audreys make a much-anticipated return with their compelling alt-country melodies. Meet Hairy Man, a spoken word artist emerging from Tasmania’s wilderness. Folk legend Kate Delaney brings an extravaganza featuring artists from the first National Folk Festival, and showcases a diversity of voices both known and unknown.

“The international stage lights up with John Craigie from the USA, bringing his storytelling charm, alongside Québecois Electrotrad supergroup Mélisande, and Norwegian folk-heavy metal band Gangar, each adding their unique flavours to the program.”

Ms Pritchard said the festival’s spirit of collaboration extends to workshops, participatory events, and performances that blur the lines between different art forms and traditions. Highlights include the Festival Choir led by The Maes, the Festival Plucked Strings preparing for a memorable Greek Rebetiko night under the direction of Con Kalamaras, and a daily variety show hosted by Noongar singer-songwriter Gina Williams.

According to Ms Pritchard, this year’s dance events are not to be missed, with live music at the Argentine peña featuring the electrifying Guanaco Trio from Argentina, and a Greek rebetiko night that brings the soulful melodies of the Mediterranean to life. The streets will come alive with an Acoustic Street Dance Competition in collaboration with Project Beats, merging street dancing with acoustic music.

The National Folk Festival is an integral part of the Canberra Festival season, Ms Pritchard said, bringing thousands of interstate guests to Canberra to play, participate and stay. It generates 33,124 visitor stays in Canberra.

“While our campgrounds are the rocking place to be at night, our biggest percentage of visitors stay in hotels and AirB&Bs and with friends and relatives locally out there in the community. We have over 1,000 local, interstate and even international volunteers who are the heartbeat of our festival,” Ms Pritchard said.

The National Folk Festival takes over Exhibition Park in Canberra, 28 March – 1 April; folkfestival.org.au

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