The Woodford Folk Festival Experience
December 30th 2006 10:22
Just a little background info - Woodford is a small country town in Queensland, Australia, that once a year holds a massive folk festival, very aptly named the 'Woodford Folk Festival'. It is 6 nights of dance, shows, comedians, stalls...you name it. Nestled in a valley, holding a scattering of ponds everyone sets up camp on the hillside and gathers in one harmonious crowd.
As a virgin Woodforder you can imagine the anticipation of my first time. My palms were sweaty and my thoughts were racing. What expectations would there be? What would I have to do? Would it be as good as everyone said it was?
Well I was completely blown away by the whole experience. If I could have I would have stayed on longer. People were friendly, tents crammed next to each other to form a rural community of fun-loving and genuine friends. From the time you come over the hill and enter the festival grounds your eyes and ears indulge in feasts overflowing with vivd colour and exciting sounds.
We wandered the muddy tracks, a trail leading to something bigger and brighter around each corner. We sucked it all in, breathed in the experience on the dusty air and let it wash over us and through us and carry us......
So if you are in Australia GET UP THERE! It is still on for the next two days - otherwise see you there next year!
Tents on the hillside
Each of the roads come with clever names - you need them to find your way back to your tent!
As a virgin Woodforder you can imagine the anticipation of my first time. My palms were sweaty and my thoughts were racing. What expectations would there be? What would I have to do? Would it be as good as everyone said it was?
Loads of friends....
....to greet you along the way!
Well I was completely blown away by the whole experience. If I could have I would have stayed on longer. People were friendly, tents crammed next to each other to form a rural community of fun-loving and genuine friends. From the time you come over the hill and enter the festival grounds your eyes and ears indulge in feasts overflowing with vivd colour and exciting sounds.
Village water reflections
Cultural and Informative
We wandered the muddy tracks, a trail leading to something bigger and brighter around each corner. We sucked it all in, breathed in the experience on the dusty air and let it wash over us and through us and carry us......
So if you are in Australia GET UP THERE! It is still on for the next two days - otherwise see you there next year!
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Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I live about 20 minutes down the hill from Woodford for three years and have yet to go... I've promised the children next year is it!
You didn't say if you really enjoyed it or not... I mean did it meet your expectations for the cost of entry? Is it kid friendly?
How long did you stay?
Lilla
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I have also been saying that I would go since I moved to Aus and I was not at all disappointed. I will definitely be going back this year that`s for sure.
Unfortunately it was a very last minute planned trip so I ended up forgetting LOADS of things - like the insect repellant, tent poles, tent pegs, jersey.... I also got separated from my group at about 11pm and there was no cellphone signal so I could not get in touch with them until after 2am (I was not popular *lol*) - there was still so much going on. Despite all of that and shivering the night away in the car it was well, well worth it.
As far as the cost of entry is concerned - for the experience you are getting it is worth it. I wandered the place for hours (we only stayed the one night) and still did not get to see everything. I am, by no means money -bags, especially around this time of year, but I am starting to save now for the next one - it`s definitely worth it.
Children-friendly? There were loads of kids there and they seemed to be having just as much fun as the adults. A word of warning though, make sure you attach them to you somehow because the place is massive - I got lost and couldn`t find anyone so for a kid it would be a bit hectic. But honestly there is loads to see and do there and, not sure if I`m just a country bumpkin, but I was kept occupied by all the side acts, music, dance etc. I`m not sure how old your children are but I would say that they would be kept fully occupied.
I suppose if you live just up the road you would not have to worry about the hassle of camping, but that is an experience in itself (may I suggest going to the loo and showering at home - i`m all for camping and such, but when it comes to those two things I need proper facilities!!!! These are clean but just used by so many people).
It is a lot of money, especially for a family, but I think it is something you should experience. You will see a lot of bizarre things, but hey you see that just walking through town - these are good bizarre, anyways!
OK I could ramble on about it forever - I think you know I loved it! Every minute of it! And I would recommend it yes, 100%
Ash
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
...it looks like we may well meet there this year then!
You can save a huge amount on the tickets if you buyt hem in June or July when they go on sale. Keep an eye out on the ticketec website I think? Not a hundred percent on that one as a friend was rambling something about it, breifly, on New Years Eve ...
I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers,
Lilla...
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Will meet you for a wine at the comedy tent for a good chuckle!
Thanks for the ticket info will be sure to keep an eye out for them
Swing it sister......
tot siens (Afrikaans - means "cheers")
Ash