During a whirlwind visit to his home town late on Saturday night and early yesterday, Dr Napthine also attended the festival.

“The Port Fairy Folk Fesitval is one of the greatest events in Australia,” he said.

“It’s a self-funding festival.”

During his visit he met with chairman Bruce Leishman and ticketing manager Ian Wood, who asked the Premier for assistance to promote the three-day event.

They asked Dr Napthine to put their case for the festival to be included in future Tourism Victoria promotional material.

Find all our Port Fairy Folk Festival coverage here, including photo galleries and video.

Dr Napthine said Mr Leishman and Mr Wood didn’t request financial support for the festival but they would benefit greatly if the festival was promoted in Tourism Victoria material.

“Bruce and Ian asked if I would raise the matter with the Tourism Minister Louise Asher and I will be doing that on Tuesday,” Dr Napthine said.

“The festival appeals to people of all ages. World-class musicians and performers appear each year. 

“I must acknowledge the hard work which Bruce and his fellow committee members put into the event. 

“It’s a world-class event with visitors coming from all over Australia and overseas.”

More than 20,000 people packed the seaside town to enjoy a weekend of beautiful music and warm weather.

Dr Napthine said the 1500 volunteers were one of the keys to the festival.

“All the volunteers do amazing jobs,” he said.

“They all help the visitors to enjoy the festival. 

“The financial spin-offs across the region from the festival are amazing, whether it be with accommodation, food or any other aspect from the festival.

“The festival is a magnificent advertisement to showcase everything which is beautiful in Port Fairy to so many different people from all walks of life and all ages.”