“Woodford Folk Festival has a magical atmosphere. Everywhere you turn there is something surprising, interesting or delicious! The music, art and audience are remarkably diverse and this truly makes for a festival experience like no other.”- GOTYE 2013 Grammy Winner

For those heading to Queensland to enjoy an Australian summer over the December holidays this year, the iconic annual Woodford Folk Festival returns for its 28th year; from December 27, 2013 to January 1, 2014.   This ‘festival of festivals’ is Australia’s largest gathering of local and international artists and musicians and explores the full breadth and depth of cultural, artistic, social and food diversity the country has to offer.
 

Tickets and camping for the 2013/14 Woodford Folk Festival are now on sale at www.woodfordfolkfestival.com  Sunshine Coast ‘stay and play’ event packages are also now available, offering a 25% discount on Festival tickets.
 

The Woodford programme includes a strong international lineup which last year, saw over 40 international acts and the cream of local talent performing across the week. In particular, the Festival has forged a strong bond with U.S. artists who have performed over the years including Arrested Development, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Peggy Seeger and Buffy Sainte-Marie to name a few…and each year the programme reflects a strong US lineup.
 

Grammy Award Winning artist Gotye performed at the 2011/12 Festival and was one of the many highlights.  Visitors from the U.S. regularly include the Festival in their Australian itinerary, often signing up to experience the event as volunteers for the entire week.

The Festival, which is held on a dedicated 500-acre sacred parkland in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland (just one hour’s drive north of Brisbane and one hour from pristine beaches), is a destination that provides world-class entertainment and fun for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the beautiful Australian subtropical rainforest environment where over 100,000 native trees have been planted over the past 18 years on the Festival site, for a memorable day trip or experience a week long camping adventure.   Tree-filled grounds, butterfly walks, ponds and wildlife complete the picturesque site and provide a safe family haven.
 

Woodford Folk Festival promises something for everyone.  Last year’s festival saw 2, 200 artists and musicians perform across 25 venues to an aggregate audience of 113, 000 people. “Woodfordia” is a place where musicians and artists mix it up with a former Prime Minister, politicians, professors, doctors, environmentalists and circus performers. Australia’s then Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, also made a surprise visit last year; the first time in the festival’s history that a standing PM has attended.

The programme ranges from concerts featuring national and indigenous Australian and international contemporary artists, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debate, and street theatre to films, forums, visual arts, an entire children's festival and many special presentations including a spectacular fire event on New Year’s Day.  The full Festival programme for 2013/14 will be announced in October.

Heading to Queensland for summer in Australia? Don’t miss this unique festive cultural celebration! 

For more information on the festival ticket pricing and camping options please visit www.woodfordfolkfestival.com .

For more accommodation choices visit: http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/ .

Check out images of last year’s Woodford Folk Festival or thevideo.