Port Fairy Folk Festival voted best regional festival

Published on 20 December 2022

The Port Fairy Folk Festival was awarded ‘Best Regional Festival’ at a ceremony in Melbourne last week.

The Folkie took home first prize at the Music Victoria Awards last Tuesday, after being publicly voted as best in the regional festival category at the state music industry awards.

The festival, held over the Labour Day long weekend in March, attracts more than 10,000 people to the Moyne region and injects around $5 million into the local economy each year.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the win was an excellent result in recognising the festival as one of the most culturally significant for Port Fairy and the wider region.

“Congratulations to the Festival Committee and everyone involved in making the festival a success – the Folkie is an important part of our local culture and this award is very well-deserved,” Cr Foster said.

“The Folkie is more than an iconic music event, it is a part of the region’s heritage and an important contributor to our local economy - bringing visitors to the region who stay with our accommodation providers, eat at our restaurants and cafes and visit our tourist attractions.”

“We know events like the Folkie have huge benefits and we are so proud to support the array of festivals and events in the region, who in turn support our local businesses.”

“Council is a long-time supporter of the event and committed to working with the festival organisers and other local stakeholders to ensure its ongoing success. We look forward to welcoming the Folkie back to our region in 2023.”

The 46th Port Fairy Folk Festival will be held over four days from 10-13 March, 2023.