IT’S back.
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The Port Fairy Folk Festival returned last night with punters soaking up the warmer weather and laid-back atmosphere.
About 20,000 people are expected in Port Fairy and local businesses are set for a major economic boost from the influx.
A stirring Welcome to Country from south-west indigenous elder Brett Clarke, which included a traditional lullaby, kicked off the long weekend tradition with festivalgoers gathering to also hear Andy Alberts and the Walkabouts.
Big name acts Tim Finn, Xavier Rudd and Kate Miller-Heidke will take the stage tomorrow along with more than 100 acts and artists.
Folk Festival director Jamie McKew welcomed everyone to the 37th festival and said how blessed everyone was to be in Port Fairy with the beautiful music, beaches and lovely sunshine.
Gunditjmara singer-songwriter Andy Alberts said it was his first time back at the Folkie in about seven years and it was good to be back. “It is like going back home,” he said.
Alberts said he had some nerves but once he was on stage all would be fine.
“It’s always a really good crowd,” he told The Standard last night.
“They’re good listeners. A lot comment and come back to me after the show. They’re a captive audience. You can understand why so many come here.”
Local lad Jackson McLaren was one of the first acts to hit one of the five stages last night and was happy to be on home soil.
“I’m really keen to be here,” he said.
“I’ve been coming pretty much every year since I was four.
“It will be nice though to see what it’s like from the other side of the stage.”
For Justin Sullivan, from Reservoir, Folkie is the one thing he looks forward to every year.
The birthday boy was gearing up to celebrate his 27th birthday which would also coincide with his 27th Folkie.
“It’s the biggest thing of the year for me,” he said.
“It’s the only thing I look forward to. When I first brought my wife here I said, look it’s not a holiday, it’s a very busy weekend.
“They just do a great job.”
Mr Sullivan and his friend Leigh Prendergast, from West Footscray, said they were looking forward to seeing Xavier Rudd, John McCutcheon and Kate Miller-Heidke.
“I think the only time there is ever an issue is when everyone is trying to get into see the one show,” Mr Prendergast said.
“It’s not just about the music, it’s the camping and the whole experience,” Mr Sullivan said.
“It’s the whole vibe and it’s a beautiful town as well.
“I’ve had my birthday in Port Fairy every weekend. I couldn’t miss it.”
Friends Mattias Nystrom and Isabella Cappelli, from Melbourne, said they left early to secure a good camping spot and that the event had a community feel which brought them back.
“It has a family feel to it,” Ms Cappelli said.
“Folk music isn’t something we’d usually listen to either. It’s a really different festival.”