THERE will be no second string entertainment in Gulgong, but plenty of musical gold when the town hosts its annual folk festival from December 29-31.
The old gold rush town will play host to some of Australia’s best folk music acts throughout the coarse of the festival.
This year’s program features a great range of talent with acts to include Highlander, Sancha and the Blue Gypsies – a quartet which features renowned violinist Marcus Holden, Den Hanrahan, Steel City Sue, Reeling Rosie, Echo Deer and Stringline.
Other highlights of the program include two poets breakfasts, a Henry Lawson poetry recital, blackboard concerts and markets.
There will also be an environmental concert where groups and duos can enter specific environment themed songs.
Co-organiser Di Clifford said a new and exciting feature of this year’s event would be a recital where guests who could play piano would have the opportunity to play on a Steinway grand piano at the Opera House.
Di said the festival – which has been running since 1986, featured a variety of different styles of folk infused music and its program was diverse and eclectic.
She added Gulgong retained its historical charm and provided a great backdrop for a folk music festival.
“When you step into Gulgong, it’s like stepping back in time 120 years. The town has retained a lot of its old buildings and a lot of its charm,” she said.
The John Dengate political satire songwriting competition will also run once again this year.
Festivities will commence at 10am on December 29, continuing right through until New Year’s Eve.
Performances will be hosted in a number of venues, including the Gulgong R.S.L, the Prince Of Wales Opera House, C.W.A Hall and Coronation Park.
Dorm and camping accommodation will once again be available in Red Hill.
For more information, click here.
IF YOU GO…
Established in 1962 and located in the Old Times Bakery and Produce Store, the Gulgong Pioneers Museum provides a fascinating insight into the town’s history, dating back to the Gold Rush era in the 1870s. It features domestic tools and utensils, farm and mining equipment, horse drawn vehicles, early photographs, Aboriginal and geological artifacts, period clothing, and more – gulgongmuseum.com or (02) 6374-1513
Henry Lawson spent his childhood years in the Eurunderee/Gulgong/Mudgee district. The Henry Lawson Centre is a museum dedicated to Lawson's life and works. It features a wide range of memorabilia including photos, oil paintings and prints, first edition books, manuscripts and more –henrylawsongulgong.org.au or (02) 6374-2049
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