The next wave of regional Victoria's folk talent is about to get their moment in the spotlight.
Port Fairy Folk Festival has unveiled the 10 young artists selected for its 2026 Future Folk Young Musician Development Program, running over the Labour Day long weekend.
The line-up features Bonnie Jackson, Grace Watt, Harriet Wraith, Isla Dixon, Jasmin Adria, Lucy Joy, Maeve Grieve, Mathilde Anne, Rupert Bullard and the Sam Curtis Collective. Now in its fifth year, Future Folk gives emerging musicians aged between 12 and 25 from across regional Victoria the chance to perform, collaborate and learn at one of the country’s most respected folk festivals. The program is supported by Moyne Shire Council through the Victorian Government’s Amplify program.
Port Fairy Folk Festival
- 6-9 March 2026
- Port Fairy, Victoria
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Participants will receive individual and group mentoring from established musicians, take part in professional development workshops and perform in front of festival audiences. Each artist or group will deliver a 20-minute set on Fiddlers Green as part of a dedicated emerging artist showcase, plus feature in a songwriters circle on the festival’s main stage.
Port Fairy Folk Festival Program Director Justin Rudge highlighted the program’s ongoing success in developing young performers, noting that watching these artists connect with audiences reflects the core values of folk music. Moyne Shire Councillor Jordan Lockett emphasised the value of local emerging musicians getting the opportunity to perform on major stages alongside artists from around the world.
Future Folk builds performance skills and industry knowledge while fostering artistic community and confidence among young regional musicians. The program has generated notable artists since its launch and continues to strengthen Victoria’s folk scene with each new cohort.
Port Fairy Folk Festival brings together music lovers from across Australia to celebrate folk music in all its forms, from legendary performers to the next generation of songwriters and storytellers. Future Folk is delivered in partnership with Port Fairy Folk Festival and Moyne Shire Council’s Amplify program, with funding from the Victorian government.
For more information, head here.
