The
Maldon Folk Festival, has been held annually for more than four decades and has a colourful and interesting
history.
The 44th Festival will be held from Friday 3 November to Monday 6 November 2017. Each year, the festival aims to provide a long weekend of quality entertainment at affordable prices to suit all age groups.
The four days of entertainment will feature artists in a host of venues. All venues have access for people with a disability.
The impressive line-up of
performers includes artists from all around Australia and overseas. The full
program covering performance times, locations and all that's on is now available.
Claymore
At the Maldon Folk Festival, not only can you enjoy four days of folk music and dance, but there will be interactive workshops and various activities around the Maldon township. Plenty of food stalls and places to eat will be available.
Irish-Australian singer–songwriter Damien Leith
The
Roddy Read Memorial Song Writing Award, in its 25th year, is a much-loved part of the Maldon Folk Festival. This songwriting contest commemorates the long-standing contribution to the festival by the late Roddy Read.
Mile Twelve (USA) – a fresh, hard driving young band beautifully walking the line between original and traditional bluegrass
Entrants submit their songs in advance of the festival for a selection of final songs for judging on the Saturday afternoon. The song judged the winner will be awarded a guitar and receive the Roddy Read trophy. The winner will also get to perform their song on the Sunday and will get a programmed gig at next years Maldon Folk Festival.
The Royal High Jinx – Melbourne's exciting Gypsy Dance band
The Maldon Minstrel Award is another special event for budding singer-songwriters held on the Sunday. Calling all budding performers to come along and demonstrate their ability to tell a story with their own music in a purely acoustic venue.
Entrants will have 10 minutes to demonstrate their writing and performing skills to the judges. All songs must be original and written by the performer. The winner will receive the Maldon Minstrel Award prize plaque and a guaranteed gig at next year's festival. Entry is free. Click
here for more information.
Another popular feature is the
Musical Instrument Makers Exhibition, which provides an ideal forum for makers of hand-crafted musical instruments to exhibit and to share their knowledge, skills and passions.
This exhibition is held on the Saturday and Sunday during the festival in the 'Wheel & Loom' building on Main Street within the central the shopping area.
Music on the main street
Weekend tickets are available online from
Ticketebo:
Adult Weekend $150
Family Weekend * $300
Youth Weekend ** $80
Adult Day# $75
Youth Day# $40
Single day tickets are available for Saturday, Sunday or Monday and will be sold only from the festival office during the festival.
A family ticket includes two adults and up to two youth. This is excellent value, giving you two youth for free. Please follow the instruction of the ticketing site to purchase these. When you select two adults and up to two youth tickets the site will automatically calculate the discount for the family price.
**No unaccompanied youth tickets available. These must be purchased with adult tickets. Youth tickets are for ages 12 to 17 year olds. Children under 12 are free.
Don't forget to pop into the Maldon Primary Market and Fair on the Saturday. There will be arts and crafts stalls, jumping castles, a petting zoo and live music from 8am to 3pm. Entry by gold coin donation.
The historical town of Maldon
Maldon is situated in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields, approximately 140km (90 minute drive) from Melbourne via the Calder Freeway and just a short trip from Bendigo and Ballarat.
The town is nestled on the slopes of Mt. Tarrengower in an agricultural, pastoral and mining district.
The National Trust declared Maldon Australia's first Notable Town in 1966. Maldon was once among the world's richest quartz reefs, attracting a population which built grand houses and a very busy commercial centre.
The
Visitor Information Centre provides friendly informative guidance about local attractions, icons and accommodation. Why not make a long weekend of it and enjoy everything this gorgeous town has to offer?
