Palm Creek Folk Festival set for ‘bigger and better’ return this year

The Palm Creek Folk Festival is set for a bigger and better event than ever before, with over 50 set to take the stage across four days.

THE Palm Creek Folk Festival is set to return bigger and better than ever with over 80 hours of live music set to kick off the North Australian Festival of Arts.

After moving locations in 2021 following damage wrought by the 2019 major floods and the 2020 pandemic, festival organiser Madonna Davies said the show is poised to have a big impact.

“Our new home at Foots Hills Station is looking green and lush and we are counting down the days until we are ready to open the gates on Thursday 9th June,” Ms Davies said.

The festival celebrated a 30th anniversary in 2021, but the line-up was impacted by late cancellations after bands from Melbourne had to cancel at the last minute.

Palm Creek Folk Festival, 2021.

That won’t be an issue this year, with about 50 acts signing on to take the stage.

“What’s great about our festival is that our local musicians get to network with the out-of-town bands. They jam, talk about the industry and form new friendships,” Ms Davies said.

“That artist exchange is important to keeping our musicians connected. It’s a great way for bands to get more gigs as the word spreads out.

“Our audiences and volunteers also get to meet the band members and the bands make new fans. You don’t get that with simple in-out shows where the bands just play and leave and cost a small fortune.”

Alongside the live music, there’ll be plenty of other attractions to cater to all manner of crowds when the festival kicks off.

“Our youth and family focus are something we are extremely proud of. The kid’s festival will have workshops for primary schoolers as well as a children’s and parents’ parade on the Saturday night. Throw in some circus workshops as well as live music, you’re guaranteed to keep the kids happy the whole weekend.”

The festival has been boosted by a $50,000 investment from Townsville City Council through their grants and partnerships program and the NAFA initiative, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said.

Steele Syndicate will play at the Palm Creek Folk Festival this year.

“Palm Creek Folk Festival is always a major event on the North Queensland arts calendar. Council has backed the event again this year with a grant for the delivery of the event as well as through sponsoring a major act to perform at the festival,” Cr Hill said.

“Our winter months are the best time of year to visit Townsville and I hope visitors converging on the festival from right across the state make the most of our beautiful weather and the great entertainment on offer.”

The festival will begin in just over a week, running from June 9 to June 12.

Originally published as Palm Creek Folk Festival set for ‘bigger and better’ return this year