Port Fairy Folk Festival has always been on my bucket list, and it was the dose of wholesome that I truly needed.
The weekend started off with bagels and coffee as my friend and I set off from Melbourne at 8am Friday morning. With a drive just over three hours away, we planned out our set times and the events we wanted to see on the Port Fairy Folk Festival App, making planning ahead a dream. With tunes a blaze in the car, we were excited to arrive at the local caravan park, who’s owners were just as thrilled to check us in, chatting to us about the weekend ahead.
We sauntered down early into the town to check out what it had to offer. There were people slowly making their way in, with the streets blocked off for market stalls for the weekend. We grabbed a quick pint at the local pub and decided to head on into the festival.
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The first night was a bit of a slow burn with the event fully kicking off on the Saturday, with the crowd made up mostly of older couples with deckchairs in hand, but equally as enthusiastic to see the events of the night. My first stop was the Archie Roach stage with a Welcome to Country, followed by an intimate performance from Maple Glider at the Island Stage. As I entered the tent, everyone was sitting on the seats provided, or on chairs or blankets that they had bought themselves. It created an environment inclusive accessible for everyone, allowing people from the front all the way to the back of the tent to enjoy their set.
Following from Maple Glider, my mate and I took a quick wonder around and got a bite to eat from the local vendors, then made our way into the Guinness Tent. This was the only area where you could drink alcohol, and it was a definite ‘vibe shift’ from outside. Large rows of tables throughout, filled with people enjoying the live music on offer, no deckchair in sight. In order for us to buy drinks, we had to line up and purchase tokens, which we would then exchange for drinks, which seemed a little counterintuitive and clunky, however it freed up the pressure from bar staff.
After spending an hour or so here, we necked our drinks and headed off to the main event – John Butler. Full disclosure, I’ve been a HUGE John Butler fan for some time now, and I’d been hanging out for this for a long time, so when he walked on stage I was pretty stoked to say the least. John Butler has an undeniable stage presence that is intimate, educational and humorous. He played some new songs, old bangers and even a surprise duet with his wife and singer, Mama Kin, but it was when he started to play ‘Ocean,’ that the crowd was well and truly captivated. Everyone sat quietly, tapping their toes or embracing their loved ones. No one was allowed to dance which in some ways was a bit of a bummer, but it allowed everyone to be part of the event. No matter where you sat in the tent, you could see and feel the emotion that came from the performance.
The following day we went into town and enjoyed a delicious breakfast from Bank Street and Co. then wandered down to the market which stretched throughout the town. From baked goods, Gin, clothing and literally everything in between, we enjoyed the stalls while local artist played music and a silent disco of kids danced between us.
The town was in full swing on the Saturday with young families, cute dogs and older couples enjoying the festival. Everyone was in high spirits as they enjoyed the music, food and kids entertainment. People bought along picnics to enjoy in the sun while music hummed in the background, a truly blissful and serene environment to be part of, and this continued throughout the weekend. A variety of colorful and intriguing art, all supported and run by the Port Fairy community.
There is an undoubted hold that music has over people. Although there is so much turmoil and uncertainty around the world, we can sit down with our friends and family for a weekend and not only escape from reality for a brief moment, but appreciate what we have right now. We can all enjoy what life has to offer, which is perfectly reflected the Port Fairy Folk Festival. Young bubbas at their first festival, teenagers running around stoked to have a long weekend off school and the older generation excited to be reunited with friend and family. All of us finding the excitement and freedom of life outside of lockdown. The Port Fairy Folk Festival is just what we need right now.
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