Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch today celebrated the return of the annual Woodford Folk Festival, welcoming back live performance, artists and audiences from 27 December 2022 to 1 January 2023.
“Woodford Folk Festival brings communities together and delivers arts, First Nations culture, music, dance, circus, ceremony and important conversations in one of Queensland’s most beautiful settings,” Minister Enoch said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing $4 million over four years from 2021-22 into Woodfordia to grow the sustainability of this signature festival, boost cultural tourism and generate long-term economic benefits for the wider region.”
Minister Enoch said the 2022 festival showcased local talent with a program of notable Queensland artists, including William Barton who was named Queensland Australian of the Year 2023.
“I’m thrilled to see a line-up of local talent and stories set to be celebrated as part of this iconic event, many whose careers were boosted through Queensland Government awards and investment,” Ms Enoch said.
“Toowoomba-based Cloe Terare was named the 2022 Billy Thorpe Scholarship winner while Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Hannah Macklin was the 2016 winner of the Grant McLennan Fellowship, and Jaguar Jonze furthered her career with $10,000 through the Individuals Fund.
“Tenzin Choegyal will share his story and the communal story of his people with his performance of Be the Mountain, which toured Queensland this year through the Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government had backed Woodfordia to build back better from the pandemic with year-round visitor experiences.
“We’ve invested $1.2 million in 20 permanent luxury, fully furnished glamping tents to help Woodfordia expand into camp stays for corporate functions and short holidays,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Camping is a Woodford Folk Festival tradition, generating up to $25 million for the Moreton Bay region visitor economy.”
Founder and Festival Director Bill Hauritz AM thanked the Queensland Government for its ongoing support.
“If it were not for the support of the Queensland Government, it’s hard to imagine how we would have arrived at this point,” Mr Hauritz said.
“We’re excited to be back. Although season camping has sold out, there are still plenty of day and evening tickets available for those who are keen to close out the year in the beautiful surrounds of Woodford.”
Minister Enoch said the return of Woodford Folk Festival further boosts the state’s reputation for exceptional arts and cultural experiences as we prepare for the significant opportunities presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
