PAUL WRIGHT: DANCE WORKSHOP

Passionate about the preservation of culture through story and dance, Paul Wright, Briabalong/Gunai/Kurnai/Gunditjmara/Kirrae Whurrong, shares the dreaming stories of animals; the emu, kangaroo and Bunjil the eagle for this interactive workshop.

CARLA LAUCH: BASKET WEAVING WORKSHOP

Join Carla Lauch to learn the art of basket weaving using traditional techniques from her great grandmother’s country, Kirrae Whurrung (Eastern Maar) with a contemporary twist. Born and raised on Bunurong / Boon Wurrung Country (Mornington Peninsula) Carla is the great niece of Archie Roach and the granddaughter of Archie’s big sister, Alma. Recommended for 8 years and above. Materials provided. Skill level: Suitable for beginners to advanced weavers.  Book in at the Information Tent!

UNCLE ROB LOWE: WELCOME TO THE YARNING CIRCLE

Senior Maar Nation Elder, Uncle Rob Lowe, welcomes you to his yarning circle sharing stories about what life was like living on the Framlingham Aboriginal Mission, ‘the mish’, set up in 1861 under the control of the Board for the Protection of Aborigines. Referring to himself as a professional wagger, Uncle Rob has been sharing yarns about the mish for the past 18 years, through the story of his family.

LIONEL LAUCH: YIDAKI HEALING

Lionel Lauch is a Gunditjmara KirraeWurrung – Bundjalung man residingon Boon Wurrung Country on theMornington Peninsula. Lionel runs acultural engagement business witha high demand for his yidaki-ledhealing meditation sessions. The yidakiproduces deep rhythmic sounds, whichLionel uses specifically for healingpractices. Senses are heightenedallowing for deep listening as thevibrations flow over and through yourbody, connecting you to the earth andcreating a space for powerful healingto take place.

TRACY ROACH KIRRAE WHURRONG: TRADITIONAL ART WORKSHOP

Tracy Roach is a proud Kirrae Whurrong and Bundjalungwoman and artist. As a member of the Stolen Generations she creates art that connects her to her culture, countryand most of all family. The EasternMaar people, are Etchers and do linework, not dots. She feels blessed to have her daughter, Mariah by her side and they are so proud to share their art with you.

The Guitarists

The Guitarists concert is a Festival favourite, hosted by the charismatic Nick Charles. This year’s event features world-class pickers, including Grassy Strings, Jeff Lang, John Smith, and Katie Spencer. Enjoy captivating stories, engaging conversations, and mesmerizing performances, and likely on thefly collaborations. It’s a must-see showcase of exceptional talent and artistry, celebrating the magic of guitar music in an unforgettable show. Don’t miss this much-loved Festival highlight!

FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS

Festival of Small Halls is a series of tours that takes the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists performing at two of our country’s largest festivals, and sends them on the road to tiny halls in communities all over Australia. It is produced by Woodfordia Inc in partnership with many other wonderful Australian festivals, regional partners and great lovers and supporters of folk and contemporary acoustic music. 

Returning to the Port Fairy Folk Festival once again is the magnificent Find Your Voice Collective. A high-end, life-affirming, mood-lifting, ethereal, almost spiritual community choir welcoming all ages, genders, abilities, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. The Warrnambool-based Find Your Voice Collective is run by community for the community.  FYVC will present three special events at the 2025 festival

FUTURE FOLK

Now in its fourth year, Future Folk is a celebration of young artists aged 12-25 from regional Victoria who are supported by the Festival and Moyne Shire to take their careers to the next level. The program provides a platform for musicians from South West Victoria for career-enhancing mentoring sessions with renowned artists and an opportunity to share the stage with established artists from around the world. Discover new and exciting artists this year with Anya Alchemy, Caelo, Charlotte Von Tunk, Daisy Kilbourne, Harriet Wraith, Hassall, Hundo Milli, Jorja Cate, Joseph Lim, Kook Joey, Nicholas Northeast & Tallulah Grace gearing up to take on the Port Fairy Folk Festival stages.

Future Folk is delivered in partnership with Moyne Shire Council funded by the Victorian Government.

ON THE COUCH WITH BRIAN NANKERVIS

Australian music fan, radio and television host, Brian Nankervis hosts performers for a lively chat and a song or two. These sessions offer a glimpse into the artist’s life and career through Nankervis’ thoughtful, playful interviews. Expect captivating music, heartfelt confessions, amusing anecdotes, laughter, tears … and perhaps even a fun musical quiz. It’s a perfect mix of entertainment, insight, and charm that brings audiences closer to the heart of the music.

YOGA AND LIVE MUSIC

Join festival favourites, Kimberly Erin Yoga (Canada) and Tom Richardson Music (Australia) for this seamless blend of live sounds + yoga flow for all levels. Movement with a rich tapestry of live sounds, a gentle opening into spaces of contentment, nourishment and ease.

two is better than one

From Simon and Garfunkel to The Milk Carton Kids, folk music boasts iconic duos. What makes them special? How do they balance creativity and conflict? Is duo life better than solo or band performances? Join Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers as he delves into these questions with a stellar lineup, including The Brother Brothers, Andrea Kirwin & Claire Evelynn, Grassy Strings, The East Pointers and Charm of Finches.

SONGS, STORIES AND CELEBRATION: SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE REARDON – THE BOITE AT PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL

On Sunday  evening The Reardon ceiling will soar with stunning music, sounds and stories from cultures across the world in a very special collaboration between The Boite and Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Featuring three  artists – Jad Pinnone, Grassy Strings and La Mauvaise Réputation  – this new event captures the unique cultural diversity of Victoria and beyond  in a joyful and fulfilling celebration of music.

troubadours of the world

Ever wondered what life on the road would be like, finding inspiration along the way? From Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie, Judy Collins and Jim Croce, Bob Dylan, Karen Dalton, artists have long sung about their travels. Meet today’s troubadours in this event, exploring the wandering spirit through stories, journeys, and adventures. Hosted by festival founder Jamie McKew, it features diverse guests sharing colorful tales of exploration and fantastic voyages.

JUKEJOINT (PBS106.7FM) LIVE TO AIR RECORDING

Join us for a unique and unforgettable experience as we bring radio to life on stage with a very special concert! Featuring the incredible talents of Checkerboard Lounge, Jeff Lang, and Hat Fitz & Cara, each act will perform individually before coming together for an electrifying collaborative jam session. Hosted by PBS DJ Matt Frederick, this event will be recorded for broadcast on The Juke Joint on PBS 106.7fm and streamed online at pbsfm.org.au.

FESTIVAL CHOIR

The famous Festival Choir is back! Swap your audience chair for a performance stage and become part of the program alongside some of the festival’s favourite acts. James and Jane will teach you the songs and you can go home boasting, ‘I’ve performed at Port Fairy’. No singing or musical experience is required just a willingness to have a go at something new that you’ll never forget.

ABC RADIO BROADCAST: LIVE FROM PORT FAIRY