Woodford Folk Festival To Receive $2M Boost From Government

Woodfordia, the Sunny Coast site known as home for the community-driven Woodford Folk Festival, has recently received a substantial endorsement from the Queensland Government, securing $2 million in funding for this year’s event. 

The festival, which has taken place within the leisurely gap of time between Christmas and New Year's for the past 37 years, has had its once-strong foundations shaken by the current turbulent festival climate.

Watching similar-sized events such as Splendour In The Grass and Harvest Rock festival tap out for 2024, Woodford organizers have been raising the alarm bells since May, urging supporters that this year’s attendance is “as critical as it ever has been, if not more so.”

Woodford Attendance 'As Critical As It Has Ever Been'

'It's Crucial That This Year Works': Woodford Folk Festival Reveals Audience Decline

This sense of panic followed news that the New Year 2023/2024 Woodford event had faced a 34% attendance decline, magnifying the blemishes on the live scene left behind by the pandemic and cost-of-living struggles. 

​​“Because of the impact of last year's festival results, it’s crucial that this year works. Once again, we’re asking all of you to get behind the festival and help us make it happen. Woodfordia itself is at stake, and we know it is in the downtimes when we need to have faith in our loyal patrons to help us,” Woodford’s Managing Director Amanda Jackes read in a statement earlier this year. 

The latest funding increase from the Queensland government is expected to have a substantial impact, working as a life raft to save at least one festival from the overwhelming live music conundrum. 

In a statement to the press, Jackes revealed that the $2 million investment will improve critical infrastructure at the Woodfordia site, including the construction of all-weather pathways and improved drainage in campgrounds. 

With the impact of heavy weather events, such as the storming at Woodford’s last run, Jackes expressed that this move is intended to increase patron comfort and make the festival logistics easier for those travelling to the hinterland area. 

Thanking both Premier Steven Miles and Minister for Arts Leeanne Enoch for the support, Jackes stated, “This backing will contribute to making this year’s festival one not to be missed.”

“It has always been the goal for Woodfordia to support and facilitate exciting events that enrich the community throughout the year and this vital funding will help us realise this.”

To continue a 37-year legacy and support Woodford Folk Festival’s 2024/25 run, tickets can be purchased now via the festival’s website.