Amadou Suso, MZAZA, And Pirritu To Headline Warburton's River Folk Festival

The Victorian township of Warburton is readying itself for the fifth edition of its River Folk Festival, with the acclaimed event set to return once again in early October.

Scheduled to take over the Yarra Valley from October 4th to October 6th, the River Folk Festival describes itself as a “celebration of place, diverse culture, and creativity”, with the boutique three-day music and cultural festival boasting a list of international, national, regional, and local artists across its eclectic lineup.

Headling its 2024 edition is Gambia’s Amadou Suso, who has been described as “the Jimi Hendrix of kora”; French-Balkan inspired Brisbane ensemble MZAZA; Ngiyampaa man and First Nations singer-songwriter Pirritu; Australian Celtic quartet Austral; and heartfelt New Zealand/Melbourne storyteller and songwriter Kerryn Fields.

Alongside the likes of the multi-award winning The Weeping WIllows, Broken Creek, Mandy Connell, Oceanique, Alisa Mitchell, and Follow The Robin, the River Folk Festival also marks 2024 as the first year of a collaboration between the event with both the Stringmania Camp, and River Folk Restrung.

While the Stringmania Camp is an immersive residential camp for musicians who are passionate and curious about traditional and contemporary string music, its presence will culminate in the special Saturday night Stringmania Finale Concert. Meanwhile, River Folk Restrung will close out the Sunday night with re-imagined renditions of songs from artists on the festival lineup.

Alongside its artist and event lineup, the River Folk Festival also takes over a number of venues throughout Warburton for its festivities, including an Opening Night Showcase Concert in The Arts Centre; the Sisters of Song Women’s Showcase, celebrating women in music; the Valley Market with local and ethical artisan goods; and a dedicated children's space.

Tickets to the 2024 edition of River Folk Festival are on sale now, with full event details available via their website.