By KATRINA BRANDON
‘LET’S get folky’ was this year’s theme for the Boolarra Folk Festival.
The festival’s 21st instalment was held last Friday and Saturday (March 1 and 2).
Thousands of people came to enjoy the event, which was full of food, market stalls, and music.
The Friday night event was held at the Boolarra Memorial Hall, with music from acts such as Steph Fischer-Ivancsy and The Bad Jackets, Strzelecki Stringbusters, Paul Buchman’s Voodoo Preachers and Smokin’ Dog Johnson.
The second day saw people branch out between the market in Railway Park, and watching various musos in action on the stage portion at Centennial Park. There, attendees picnicked and lounged around listening to talented musicians who came from local areas and Melbourne.
For early visitors, people got to wander through the market, which opened at 10am, with the pleasure of the lack of lines, while Invy Horn Jam, Boolarra Primary School kids and Steve Schulz Drumming Circle got ready to start their set at 10.30am.
There were multiple stalls at the market, including plants, tattoos, food, soaps, candles, metal ornaments, readings, bags and cigar box-electric guitars.
For those who had missed the earlier sessions or wanted to play, there was busking sessions available within the market, which sparked lots of interest and the ringing of Bella Ciao played by the Invy Horn Jam throughout the market.
Parking was packed. Some people parked between the trees and the streets, while others ventured down to the Boolarra Recreation Reserve, where people could wait or be taken to the event via the Mirboo North Shuttle Bus service.
Camping down for the day, most people stayed at the festival stage, enjoying the musicians and, later on, dancing with the bands. There was a lot of excitement throughout the day, spreading through the crowds. During Todd Cook and the Rufous Whistlers, they shared exciting news that they had a new single to share.
“We were working on it on Tuesday and weren’t quite sure if we were going to finish it before the festival,” Todd said.
“I’m glad we could finish it and share it with the crowd today. It’s such a great turnout!”
The free festival brought young and old together, much to the delight of attendees.
“It’s a great festival, and the organisers have done a great job,” festival visitor, Rosaline La Vie said.
“It’s very laid back and wonderful. It is amazing to think that it is in its 21st year.”
Towards the end of the festival, the market packed up so everyone could enjoy the music and relax or party to Yarram duo Ally Row and Latrobe Valley band Hip Pockets.
Before the event, Danny Eddy from Hip Pockets told the Express the Boolarra Folk Festival is like one giant party. Well, the 21st celebration brought out its biggest yet.
