Following on from the first leak of three bands — Danish-based melting pot Himmerland, returning Aussie singer-songwriter Ami Williamson and much-loved festival regulars The Chipolatas — is the announcement of a further 23 bands, with another big name or two expected in the coming days.

The international portion of the bill will be headlined by legendary American blues act Charlie Musselwhite Band, Irish folk group Sharon Shannon Band, Canadian duo Ash & Bloom, English folk pair Chris While & Julie Matthews, North American singer-songwriter Steve Poltz, Boston jazz-soul quartet Lake Street Dive and the Indian-Australian collaboration Maru Tarang.

On the national front, acclaimed roots-rockers John Butler Trio, iconic group The Black Sorrows, talented guitarist Jeff Lang (who also plays in Maru Tarang), former Hunters & Collectors frontman Mark Seymour and his new group The Undertow, alt-country singer-songwriter Jordie Lane, Sydney folk-country quartet All Our Exes Live In Texas, Australia’s “only vintage female barbershop quartet and cabaret show” Bobby & The Pins, Newcastle country star Catherine Britt, indigenous ARIA winner Christine Anu, husband and wife roots act Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson, returning blues pianist act Jan Preston’s Boogie Circus, bluegrass exponent Marlon Williams, Melbourne dream-pop duo The Orbweavers, alt-country act The Yearlings and folk duo We Two Thieves. 

Tickets for the 39th annual event are already on sale. 

Festival director Jamie McKew said tickets for the March 6-9 festival were “selling faster than ever”.

“We are delighted to start off the announcements with the phenomenal John Butler Trio and the Mississippi legend Charlie Musselwhite, plus acts like Christine Anu, The Black Sorrows, Sharon Shannon from Ireland, Ash & Bloom from Canada and many more,” McKew said.

“We aim to present ‘diversity and discovery’ over one unforgettable weekend.”