The 40th Port Fairy Folk Festival in March will the finale for widely acclaimed long-time director Jamie McKew.
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Mr McKew, who is well respected in worldwide festival circles, chose the milestone year to step down and finish the role on a high note.
The founding member will relinquish the role in June and he will take on a mentoring role for the 2017 incoming festival director.
He said the early festivals featured Australian and Celtic folk music but had expanded to include a range of genres.
“It’s gone from a baby festival to a professional outfit,” he said.
Highlights include booking and bringing some of his favourite artists to Port Fairy, lifelong friendships as well as raising the profile of Australia’s indigenous musicians.
Committee president Bruce Leishman said Mr McKew had been president, programmer or director for 38 of the 40 events and the festival’s reputation was built on Mr McKew’s enthusiasm and creativity.
He said Mr McKew’s passion would not be surpassed.
“In all his years, every festival has been sold out which is testament to his skill and knowledge of the music industry,” Mr Leishman said.
The role will be advertised this weekend and the new program director will take over the reigns from 1 July 2016.
The first festival in 1977 was attended by 400 patrons and the renowned event now attracts over 15,000 artists, volunteers and patrons.
Mr McKew thanked the Port community for embracing the festival from its humble beginnings and the committee for their support
“It’s wonderful. It’s become something everyone wants to be a part of. There’s no one person that’s a key person anymore. Everyone’s got a key hand in it and it's a genuine community cultural event. Hats off to all the musicians who have supported it and everyone's who’s opened their ears up,” Mr McKew said.