What is the Woodford Folk Festival?
The Woodford Folk Festival is a large music and arts gathering held each year from 27 December to 1 January near Woodford in southeast Queensland. It features music, dance, theater, talks and workshops.
The festival began in 1987 as the Maleny Folk Festival and moved to its current site at Woodfordia, a property near the town of Woodford, in 1994.
Woodfordia is a large rural property that has been revegetated by festival organizers and volunteers. During the festival, it becomes a temporary village with stages, camping grounds, food stalls and markets.
More than music
The program includes folk, world, rock and acoustic music, along with comedy, circus, poetry, children's events and talks on politics and the environment. Thousands of volunteers help run the event.
The festival ends with a fire event on New Year's Day, featuring a spectacular performance with fire, lanterns and music. The event attracts large crowds and is a highlight of the festival.
Woodfordia also hosts other gatherings, including The Planting, a festival focused on environmental restoration. The Woodford Folk Festival is one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Australia.
Did You Know?
Woodford is in the Moreton Bay region, about an hour's drive north of Brisbane.