With a stellar lineup of folk singers, musicians, dancers, and entertainers, you'll also find a diverse range of talented LGBTIQ artists, and of course, Canberra's very own Qwire will perform a special performance at this year's festival.
The National Folk Festival in Canberra is Australia’s home and heart of folk culture, having created Five Days in a Perfect World for over 50 years. Here are our queer lineup favourites!
Here are our queer lineup favourites!
1. Grace Petrie - Queer As Folk
The dynamic Grace Petrie, celebrated for her potent protest songs, comedy, and LGBTQ+ activism, will be preforming at this years National Folk Festival. Join the chorus of change and connect with one of the world's emerging folk songwriter superstars!
With over a decade of experience, she's one of the UK's most important songwriters, and her performance is not to be missed. Don't pass up the chance to engage and sing her songs in a very special way!
With her politically-charged but beautifully catchy, folk-strewn anthems, Grace Petrie has grown a big LGBTIQ+ fan base. You might have first noticed her on the 2018 show 'Queer As Folk'.
2. Tolka
Tolka masterfully combines Irish musical traditions with a forward-looking folk vision, igniting festival stages with their dynamic performance. From Melbourne, their stellar lineup showcases stunning vocals, banjo, fiddle, and flute, backed by rhythmic guitar rhythms. Since 2012, they've been captivating audiences at festivals in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. In 2024.
Don’t miss the chance to take part in some Irish dancing as they are featured along with Queer The Set in our special all-inclusive dance event.
3. Double Dole Stringband
Double Dole Stringband are a original old-time fiddle tunes and songs direct from the long Melbourne. Formed in 2020 during the golden era of aggrandized Jobseeker payments, they perform innovative and driving string band tunes, both original and traditional, reflecting critically upon the old-time tradition. Inspired by personal experience, political discourse, animus for police and love of native birds, the DDSB will have you tapping your toes so hard you'll forget about your misspent taxes.
4. Kerryn Fields and Matt Joe Gow
Discover the irresistible charm of Americana Folk duo Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields. They are best friends from across the ditch who are quickly becoming must-see acts on the Australian country and folk circuit.
With multiple awards to their names and thousands of miles between them, Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields are bona fide masters of their craft, having discovered a natural chemistry as performers, the union of their song writing enables them to explore new depths in their music. Their ragged edge comes steeped in Alt-Country and Folk influences, building their sound around acoustic instruments and honest song writing while devouring records from Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, Tracy Chapman, Grant Lee Phillips and Neil Finn.
5. Queer the Set
Queer the Set breaks with convention in Irish Set Dancing. Championing any gender partnering and playful rearrangements of positions, they redefine tradition and inclusivity. Their performances challenge norms and celebrate diversity. Join them to flip the script on traditional roles and experience Irish set dance in a liberating, affirming way.
Queer the Set will be leading an all-inclusive dance event with the Irish trad group Tolka, along with other musicians and advocates!
6. Canberra Qwire
Qwire, proudly LGBTIQ+, brings together people from diverse sections of our queer community to challenge stereotypes and build a bridge between Canberra’s queer and non-queer communities through the power of the human voice! With over 100 active singers, Qwire welcomes all colours of our rainbow, including our allies, to join us in song at this Folkie Festival! More details here.
National Folk Festival
Flemington Rd, Mitchell ACT 2911
28 March - 1 April 2024
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