Special Events

Special Event – Friday – 6pm

Welcome to Country with Elder Uncle Laurie Padmore and giant puppet Janggaburru

Special Events – Saturday:

Shanty Session Sally Andrews

With her piano accordion, red hair, and copious numbers of Irish nautical shanties, Sally Andrews has brought lively reels and stirring ballads to Irish sessions everywhere from New York to New Zealand, including to our very own McGinty’s in Cairns.

The Blues Preachers Album Launch

The Blues Preachers continue their journey along The Kings Highway with their latest Release “ The Kings Highway” This is an album of modern day Folk/ Blues songs about war, climate change, greed & dysfunction.

MEGACHOIR

Local Community choirs Woyaya and BellaCappella combine for an Acappella extravaganza!!! Come and hear them raise the roof with a beautiful collection of songs from across the globe.

Ceilidh Dance

Come on a dancing journey with the United Tableland Pipe Band. Roll out the Tart and kick up your heels. We’ll dance the Gay Gordons and the Pride of Erin and everything in between till we’re all fair puckled!

Nomadica Tribal Belly Dance

On the Street 6 pm Sat for the Grand Parade

TFF McGinty’s Song Writer Competition

Gaining momentum since 2016, this prestigious event offers 3 categories and 3 amazing prize packages including a recording deal. We sincerely thank our judges – Shirley Lynn, Fiona Sewell, Karen Stewart and Jeanette Wormald.

Floyd Thursby’s Secret History of Song

Everything we never knew about our favourite songsWhat did Johnny Cash steal to end up in Folsom Prison? What’s the story with the Beatles’ ‘Come Together’? What dirty deed got AC/DC into legal hot water? What do the Angels owe to Status Quo? Find out as Floyd Thursby reveals the historical texts that have influenced … Continue reading "Floyd Thursby’s Secret History of Song"

Yoga + Balance with Tanya

7 am Sat and Sun – TAFE Stage area

Special Events – Sunday:

Yoga + Balance with Tanya

7 am Sat and Sun – TAFE Stage area

Poets Breakfast

This year hosted by Folkie stalwart Peter Firth , joined by an eclectic group of writers and reciters, vagabonds and ne’re do wells. A light-hearted way to start your Festival Sunday.

Songs Of The Dispossessed – Tom + Keryn

Our human experience includes people who have been left behind; dispossessed of their lands, of their goods, of their livelihoods, of their very humanity. Many of these recorded their experiences, singing their grief, their joy. Come join us in raising our voices in solidarity.