Woodford Folk Festival kicks off with a massive Monday on the 27 th  December with an impressive line up to launch the festival’s 25 th  Anniversary. 

UK-based Passenger (currently tripping about Australia, guitar in tow) is a classic troubadour. Though not yet a household name with audiences, he’s no stranger to some of our favourite artists – his third album  Flight of the Crow  features collaborations with Lior, Josh Pyke, Katie Noonan and Kate Miller-Heidke, all of whom are performing at Woodford this year. 

The Grande kicks off with Brisbane’s favourite sons, folk/rock/bluegrass outfit Bang Bang Boss Kelly and The Wilson Pickers, moves on up to the return of Woodford favourites Kate Miller-Heidke and ARIA winners Monsieur Camembert, and then settles softly into twilight with Sally Seltmann (aka New Buffalo) making her Woodford debut. Those sticking around for the night can enjoy a solid night of soul with Senegal’s Daara J Family, Mama Kin and The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker (USA).

The Opening Ceremony at the Amphitheatre begins at 7pm, and in true Woodford style promises an equal share of ritual and ridiculousness, all the way from the mass audience singalong, the pledge of allegiance, through to fireworks and finally a dance- floor meltdown - That One Guy (USA) and his Magic Pipe, Brisbane barbershop trio The Melatonins and long time festival favourites, The Cat Empire.

Finish the first night off Dancehall style with Rudekat Sound System, Kingfisha and kooii, or settle in with an absinthe cocktail, some burlesque and The Bedroom Philosopher and The Barons of Tang at The Parlour.

This is just a taste of day one, Woodford Folk Festival runs for six days and nights from the 27th December through to the 1st of January.

Programmes and tickets are available on the Woodford Folk Festival website www.woodfordfolkfestival.com or call the Queensland Folk Federation on 07 5496 1066.  Selected newsagents have the programmes, check online for these outlets.