By KATRINA BRANDON
MUSIC was popping through the streets of Boolarra as the 22nd year of the Boolarra Folk Festival commenced on Friday and Saturday (February 28 and March 1).
Thousands of people drove from far and wide to enjoy the music, food, and other specialties available at the festival.
Before the festival started, people were already lining up for the “best seats in the house,” with some even bringing unique set-ups for their comfort.
The festival started on Friday night with music from Elizabeth Lynch-Berends, Meg Doherty, Jungle Jim Smith, and Nearly Friday, which excited attendees for what was to come the next day.
Walking through the town, South Gippsland’s Invy Horn Jam, accompanied by Big Bang Boom and Boolarra Primary School, hyped up the early attendees with a walk through the market, blasting tunes. Hearing from afar, others rushed over to see the excitement.
Saturday’s music line-up featured many different styles, with some adventuring outside the folksy tales. This year’s line-up consisted of Hazelwood North artist Dan Boothman; Toongabbie local Kia Parr; Briagalong Band; Yarram duo Ally Row; South Gippsland’s Invy Horn Jam, who was accompanied by Big Bang Boom and Boolarra Primary School; Gippsland’s The Soultanas, and Melbourne musicians Chris Cavil, John Flannigan, Skiffle Party, Mast Gully Fellers, Phil Coyne and the Wayward Aces and Riflebirds.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Dale Harriman and Budgeree Ward Councillor, Leanne Potter were present on the day.
“It’s fantastic to be here,” Mr Harriman told the crowd.
“Latrobe City has been involved with the Boolarra Folk Festival from day one, and we’re so proud that it’s still going 22 years later. It’s a fantastic event.
“Last year, we were just shy of 10,000 people who turned up to the event and the market, which is great.
“It brings together not only the local community here, the community across Latrobe City, and the community across Gippsland. We love the fact that 80 per cent of the artists here are locals. We love the fact that it gives a chance and an opening to emerging artists to be here, and it also gives us a chance to see some of the best local products and music.”
Later in the day, Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester joined in with celebrations.
Dancing started from the minute the music started, with children encouraging others to join them.
Walking through the market from 9.30am to 2pm was a struggle, as many were excited to buy gifts and memorabilia from many items available. Food stalls had lines as far back as you could go, with no seats to spare around the eating area.
