Local, Interstate & Overseas Performers...

Fleurieu Folk Festival is going to be bigger and better than ever! Nestled at the foot of the southern Adelaide Hills, the historic town of Willunga is the perfect spot to hold a festival. It already hosts the Tour Down Under, Almond Blossom Festival, Classic Adelaide Car Rally, Willunga Farmers, Quarry and Artisans Markets and now the Fleurieu Folk Festival. We’ll be cooperating with the whole community to help put Willunga on the map as the Fleurieu Peninsula’s “Festival Town”.

Fleurieu Folk Festival started in 2003 as a relatively small event held in the grounds of the Aldinga Hotel and utilising the adjacent hall and grounds and nearby sporting clubrooms. The festival has now outgrown this venue – hence the move to Willunga where the Festival will be held at the Willunga Recreation Park utilising the hall complex and marquees and stalls in the surrounds. There will also be events programmed into venues throughout the town – pubs, cafes, village square, etc.

What Happened in 2010...

MEDIA RELEASE August 2010

NEXT GENERATION LEADS SA FOLK MUSIC REVIVAL

South Australia is in the midst of a folk music revival with the next generation of bands and songwriters leading the charge. The countdown to the State’s premier folk festival has begun with organisers receiving record numbers of performer applicants from across Australia for the three day event at Willunga on October 22-24.

Organisers of the Fleurieu Folk Festival have named the strongest line up yet of emerging and young folk musicians from across Australia with some experienced names in the mix.

Among the confirmed acts are...

Saoirse (Vic)

Senor Cabrales (NSW)

Tutti Ensemble (SA)

Danny Spooner (VIC)

The Lurkers (NSW)

with emerging performers such as...

Richard Perso (Vic)

Daniel Champagne (NSW)

String Theory (VIC)

Siobhan Owen (SA)

Other SA-based acts include...

Spiral Dance

Goldstein

Chris Finnen

Junior

“Folk music is experiencing a revival,” Festival organiser Peter Thornton said. “At a time when we are bombarded by mind-numbing manufactured pop music, it’s heartening to see and hear the next generation getting back to the roots of great music.  “The festival is going from strength to strength each year.  “This year we have a strong emphasis on the emerging folk and roots musicians on the national and local scene.  “There’s a wealth of talent out there, fantastic music that everyone can enjoy in a family friendly atmosphere. “And the beauty of it, the festival is a very low-cost, affordable event.”

The Fleurieu Folk Festival has continued to grow each year with more than 200 performer applications received from across Australia and even internationally to play this year, of which 85 acts were booked.  “We’ve had a 25 per cent increase in the number of applications to play at this year’s festival,” Mr Thornton said.

“Those acts confirmed include groups who have toured Australia and internationally and represent some of the best folk performers going around.  “At the same time the number of festival goers is increasing each year.  Last year around 7000 people attended, up from 6000 the year before, and we hope to see even more people over the three days this year.

“It’s not all just about listening to these great performers.  “We encourage those coming along to the festival to bring their instruments and participate in an open jam session or attend a free music workshop or even have a go on the open stage.”

Some of Australia’s finest folk performers will be performing on 11 different stages during the Festival which is held in the heart of Willunga beginning at 6pm on Friday October 22 and running til 8pm on Sunday October 24.

General entry into the festival is $5 per day ... with a small fee $10 per day for entry into the main concert hall. Children under 15 are free.

Due to the higher number of Interstate acts performing at this year's festival, organisers are looking for more people who would be willing to host some of the visiting performers. Billeting in Willunga itself is preferred but this is not essential provided the artists can be transported to and from the accommodation (sometimes at quite early or late hours). Please phone Annie or Pete on the number below if you'd like to help out.

Organisers are also looking for volunteers to donate a few hours of their time over the festival weekend and in doing so will receive free on-site camping, passes to the Festival, plus a chance at winning a great prize.

Please call Peter if you’re interested.

Contact...

Fleurieu Folk Festival,

PO Box 52,

Seaford SA 5169

Media inquiries: Peter Thornton 08 8327 2797 or 0407 614 990.

Email: admin@fleurieufolkfestival.com.au

www.fleurieufolkfestival.com.au