By John Queripel
From the highland flings of Scotland to the dance of East Timor, from the strident sounds of protest folk to the harmonies of a cappella: they will all be there at the Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Festival to be held at Wollombi, south of Cessnock, on the weekend of September 10-12. Seventy artists will entertain the expected audience of thousands.
This is the first time the festival has been held at Wollombi, and the location is superb. Set in rugged bushland, the village is full of history, and nearby Mount Yengo is a sacred place to the Koori people.
Folk attending the festival can also enjoy the popular Wollombi markets and take in the Laguna Arts Festival, which is being held in conjunction with the folk festival.
Organisers aim to foster folk traditions from all around the globe and to feature the traditions of the British Isles, Ireland, Holland, South America, Israel, East Timor and the Philippines. There will also be plenty of colonial Australian music, including a bush dance on the Saturday night.
Koori input will be integral. A Koori welcome will open proceedings on Saturday morning, and a program of exclusively Aboriginal music, dance and performance will continue until the early afternoon.
For lovers of fine singing, Taliesin and Blindman's Holiday have been secured by festival organisers. Singer/songwriters who are breaking new ground and sound will be in plentiful supply, proving that there are plenty of good songs still being written for ears eager to hear new material.
Plenty of workshops will be on offer, providing the opportunity to be introduced to new musical instruments or to learn about the cultural history of many different peoples. A kids' program will also be available.
The festival aims to be a real celebration of culture — not only of elite culture but of all that which enriches our lives. A $25 ($20 concession) weekend ticket gets you into everything. Couples are $35 or $30 concession. Day tickets are $15. Camping spaces will be available.