If you're looking at the chock-a-block, multi-stage and location timetable for the Port Fairy Folk Festival and scratching your head as to how you will see all your favourite artists, fear not! We have pulled together the brains trust to help you have the best Folkie ever.
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Grab your highlighters and go through the festival program and find the artists you love. Most artists are playing multiple sets so if you find a clash or two, chances are the organisers have resolved your worries at a later time.
HOT TIP #1: Download the Port Fairy Folk Festival app on your phones. This was you can work out which acts you can see at what time and how to fill in your days.
The lineup for the 44th Port Fairy Folk Festival is filled with high-calibre performers. But if you're unsure on who to head along too, we have some personal favourites. In no particular order, our recommendations are The Maes, Benny Walker, Archie Roach, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Ruby Gill, Emily Wurramara, Neil Murray, Shane Howards, Susan O'Neill, YolanDa Brown and C.W. Stoneking.
HOT TIP #2: Look at the colour code on the program as it will help you get to shows matching your vibe.
Get creative throughout the festival and head along to the stacks of workshops taking place. The Pavilion and Festival Village will come alive with lessons in harmonica and guitar playing, yoga, Irish and hula dancing, African drumming and plenty more.
Be sure to check out some of the special events occurring throughout the festival including a sit down conversation between comedian Brian Nankervis and Harry Shearer, the voice of The Simpsons' character Ned Flanders and Smithers. Hell Ship is another unmissable event and there are two chances to watch historical theatre performance with Michael Veitch on Friday evening and Sunday morning.
HOT TIP #3: Want to look like you know everything there is to know about music? Head along to the live music gigs in the Festival Village to hear some of the south-west's up-and-coming musicians.
Put your phones away and enjoy the music. Too often we're standing in mosh pits and our vision is blocked by people's phones. I can't count the number of concerts I've been to where instead of watching the live performer, I've had to watch the whole thing through the person in front's screen. If there's ever a chance to confront your digital addiction, a folk festival is the place to do it. And don't fret that you won't be able to re-live the moments, people (like us) are paid to capture the essence of the festival for you.
HOT TIP #4:Buy your drink tickets when you get your wristband so you don't have to join the long queues throughout the long weekend.
Fashion is an absolute necessity when it comes to any festival. But when it's the Folk Festival, the pressure is on. Think eclectic, think vintage and, most of all, think comfort. Raid the op shops and throw on your parent's clothes from the 80s and you'll have people asking where you shop at in no time.
Don't forget accessories! Funky earrings, shoes and even umbrellas have proven fashionable in the past so its a perfect excuse to dig out your gold hoops and rock your coloured Doc Martins.
HOT TIP #5: Take your reusable water bottle to fill up at the Wannon Water stations.
And above all, enjoy yourself.
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