Gulgong Folk Festival’s “back to basics” approach to its 30th anniversary event has won praise from musicians and visitors who attended the three-day event last weekend.
From New Year’s Eve until Sunday, the festival filled the town with music as hotels, the Butcher Shop Cafe, the Gulgong RSL Club and the Prince of Wales Opera House hosted concerts, workshops and continuous jam sessions.
The sound of traditional instruments such as Irish harps, tin whistles, a hammered dulcimer, button accordions and violins, along with the more modern sounds of electric guitars and drums, could be heard in the streets as performers ranging from traditional musicians to Gypsy jazz performers took to the various stages.
Gulgong Folk Festival organisers promised to go “back to their roots” for this year’s festival, with an emphasis on local performers and community participation.
Festival president Ross Kurtz said he had received a lot of positive feedback from performers and visitors.
“Everybody is saying they want it to happen again next year, which of course it will,” he said.
Mr Kurtz said the word “relaxed” could sum up the festival atmosphere.
“It’s of immense value to Gulgong and to the region and I think this is the type of event, events that involved local people, that we have got to put on.”
“It’s a wonderful atmosphere and I honestly could say that I haven’t had any complaints,” he said.
“It’s a great vibe and it’s great to catch up with all the musicians.”
Mr Kurtz said there were more performers at the festival than were listed on the program, because many had come in the hope of joining in informal jam sessions.
“All the venues have been very generous and most of the musicians have been happy to provide their time free of charge,’ he said.
The festival kicked off on Thursday night with a New Year’s Eve party that ran late into the night, described by one publican as his second best night of trading ever.
Mr Kurtz believed accommodation was booked out.
The festival also attracted numerous caravan and campervan groups to the Gulgong Showground.
Police praised most of the festival revellers for their good behaviour.