Townsville Folk Festival ignites future and tradition together

The Townsville Folk Festival returns this June with a program that blends tradition, community and new talent. A highlight this year is the launch of the Rising Stars Band Academy, a youth mentoring initiative helping shape the next generation of folk musicians

The Degenerates will perform at the Townsville Folk Festival.

As the Townsville Folk Festival prepares for its 2025 return, organisers are combining long-held traditions with new initiatives aimed at strengthening the festival’s future.

Now in its third year at Foots Hill Station in Reid River, the three-day event continues to attract audiences with its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, diverse music program, and strong focus on community and sustainability.

While the festival has grown significantly in size and scope over the years, its core purpose has remained the same.

It’s still a not-for-profit, volunteer-run celebration of live music, culture and connection.

For the festival’s marketing manager Susie Renton, it’s that unshakeable sense of community that keeps the heart of the festival beating strong.

“The heart of the Townsville Folk Festival has always remained the same — a celebration of connection, creativity and community,” Susie says.

The crowd at last year’s Townsville Folk Festival

“From its humble beginnings at Palm Creek, the festival has brought people together through camping, music, and storytelling. Whether it’s sitting around a campfire with a guitar, dancing to a favourite band, or enjoying a shared meal from a local food stall, that sense of belonging continues to define the experience.”

Now held at the stunning Foots Hill Station, the festival has grown in scale and scope, with a 2025 program that runs from June 6 to 8 and features live music, circus acts, dance, food, workshops, and artisan markets.

This year, the festival is also making an investment in its future through the launch of a new Youth Mentoring Program.

Susie says the new initiative responds to growing interest from emerging artists and reflects a broader commitment to youth development.

“One of the most exciting recent developments is the launch of programs like the Folk Fest Rising Stars Band Academy, which reflect our commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists,” she says.

“As part of our Youth Mentoring Program, this initiative offers young musicians hands-on mentoring and real-stage experience, a powerful reminder that the folk scene is thriving and evolving.”

Reflection and the Degenerates will take the stage at the Townsville Folk Festival

That belief in nurturing new voices is the driving force behind the Rising Stars Band Academy, launched this year in partnership with King Konz School of Music.

“The Youth Mentoring Program emerged from conversations with emerging artists who were passionate about participating in the folk scene but lacked the access and support of their more established peers,” Susie says.

“We recognised the need to offer more than encouragement and we needed to provide real, tangible opportunities.”

“Over eight weeks, six youth acts will receive expert mentoring in stagecraft, performance skills, live sound, and the ins and outs of festival life. This isn’t just about honing talent, it’s about building confidence and industry-ready skills.”

The program will culminate in a live performance on the Jam Tin Stage where audiences can vote for the Rising Stars People’s Choice Award.

“It’s a meaningful step from rehearsal room to main stage, backed by the full support of our community.”

Costa demonstrating how to execute a drum solo.

The program is proudly supported by a $9,510.91 grant from the Townsville City Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund.

“Their support helps make this a sustainable, high-impact platform for youth development,” Susie says.

“Young artists aren’t just the future of folk, they’re already shaping its evolution. Through this program, we’re giving them the tools and the stage to lead the next chapter.”

The festival’s atmosphere of intimacy and authenticity is a major part of its lasting appeal. “One of the most special things about the Townsville Folk Festival is the way audiences truly listen,” she says.

“During quiet, acoustic sets, there’s often a kind of collective stillness — people sitting on rugs and hay bales, completely absorbed in the storytelling and musicianship. It creates a space where artists feel seen and heard, and where audiences connect to the music on a deeply personal level.”

This year’s new Chai Tent venue will be the place for those quiet, soulful performances, featuring Andrew Clermont’s Brekky Supper Club and acoustic artists including Silky Oak, The Tuck Shop Ladies, Ben Penna, David Flower, and more.

But connection comes in many forms and some are anything but quiet.

“Over at the Mountain Stage and Jam Tin venues, we’ll be dancing, singing, and celebrating in full voice,” Susie adds.

Townsville Drum Collective at the Townsville Folk Festival last year

“There’s a powerful kind of connection that happens when the music lifts and the whole venue comes alive — a riot of movement, colour, and song.”

“Each year, audiences leap to their feet, swept up in the joy of live performance, singing along with full hearts to both beloved favourites and exciting new discoveries.” Among this year’s high-energy highlights are award-winning Celtic fusion group Austral, genre-blending folktronica act Ungus Ungus Ungus, Brisbane’s groovy Clay Pigeons and Munkey Feet, and local favourites like Freaky Bizness and The Swindlers. “These acts don’t just perform — they ignite a festival atmosphere full of rhythm, joy, and connection.”

Curating such a diverse program is no easy task, but it’s something the team approaches with care. “Curating the festival is like weaving a tapestry — each thread representing a different genre, culture, or story, coming together to create something vibrant and whole,” Susie says. “We start by grounding the program in our folk roots, honouring traditions of storytelling, musicianship, and community.”

“From there, we intentionally branch out to include a rich mix of genres — from Celtic, roots, and bush ballads, to reggae, rock, indie, blues, world music, and country.”

“What ties it all together is a shared spirit. Regardless of the style, every performance is chosen because it brings people together — sparking joy, starting conversations, and creating those unforgettable moments that define the Townsville Folk Festival.”

Green and Red Group at the Folk Festival last year.

That sense of responsibility to the land is also reflected in the festival’s strong sustainability focus.

“The Townsville Folk Festival is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, guided by a comprehensive zero-waste approach based on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle,” she says.

“To achieve this, we’ve implemented a wide range of strategies across all stages of the event.” These include digital programs, compostable vendor materials, colour-coded recycling bins, and water refill stations.

“Friendly volunteer ‘bin fairies’ are also on hand to guide disposal and promote recycling and composting,” Susie says.

“To reduce single-use items, we encourage attendees to bring their own reusable dishes, with a raffle offering the chance to win tickets to the 2026 festival as a fun incentive.”

After the event, the team conducts waste audits and gathers feedback to improve every year.

“Through all these efforts, the Townsville Folk Festival not only celebrates music, arts, and culture — it champions a sustainable future, inspiring everyone who attends to play their part in protecting our planet.”

Whether it’s watching a teen take the stage for the first time, swaying in the stillness of a solo acoustic set, or dancing wildly under the stars, the Townsville Folk Festival remains what it has always been — a celebration of people, stories, and connection.

Originally published as Townsville Folk Festival ignites future and tradition together