Qld Govt Steps In To Save Iconic Festival

The future of beloved Queensland event Woodford Folk Festival has been saved, thanks to State Government funding.

It’s been revealed that the Palaszczuk Government has committed $4 million over four years to help the festival rebuild after it was forced to cancel twice due to COVID.

“The impact of this funding on our organisation and our events, primarily the Woodford Folk Festival, is beyond significant,” Woodford Festival Founder and Director Bill Hauritz AM said.

“This funding will enable the Woodford Folk Festival to be rebuilt after 2 years absence and to flourish over the coming years, giving thousands of artists and arts workers vital employment and tens of thousands of patrons an opportunity to embrace and engage with the magic of our cultural expression.

“Our gratitude to the Queensland Government for recognising Woodfordia’s contribution is immense.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles added: “The annual Woodford Folk Festival, presented by Woodfordia, holds a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders. 

“I have many great memories seeing local, interstate and international performances at Woodford. It’s a great festival that has delivered ongoing social, cultural and economic benefits to Queensland.

“At its peak, Woodfordia creates over 2,500 employment opportunities for artists and arts workers and contributes $29 million in economic impact to the Queensland economy each year. 

“Our $4 million investment will support Woodfordia in its commitment to re-establish the full-sized annual festival in 2022, following impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

The annual event attracts more than 120,000 attendees and participants each year, offering more than 2,000 individual events in more than 30 venues set up across the Woodfordia site.

Following its most recent cancellation, organisers unveiled unique camping and arts experience, Bushtime, which is currently underway.