After discussing the feedback from previous years, the festival had fewer stages and tickets available to reduce overcrowding and wait times.

Port Fairy Folk Festival ticketing manager Shane Lenehan said of the people he'd spoken too, all reports were positive.

"We've sold about 9500 tickets altogether and we have about 13,000 people attend the festival over the weekend once all performers, their crews, media and volunteers are counted."

The half-day festival tickets was a new component to the festival this year.

"It's been well-received and extra popular with locals who have to work at some stage over the weekend," Mr Lenehan said.

"Five years ago there were probably too many tickets available and people said there were too many queues and overcrowding.

"By having half-day tickets it helps with the flow.

The Port Fairy community is the real winner of the weekend.

Team leader of visitor services in Port Fairy Ashley Price said the information centre had averaged about 650 visitors through its doors.

"People are here for the four days of the festival but we want to get people to stay a day or a couple of days before and after the event to see more in the area," he said.

"The town has been really busy. Our numbers have been boosted by having the markets down here and using the Fiddlers Green stage which is new this year.

Part-owner of the Bank Street and Co Ricky Baulch was delighted to have the addition of the Bank Street Stage.

"The festival committee put a lot of effort into reinvigorating Bank Street after we'd noticed some numbers down in previous years," he said.

"We had great communication with the committee all through the planning process and our numbers are up from last year.

"We all benefit from Folkie."

Moyne Shire Council recognises the festival as one of the most culturally significant events for Port Fairy and the wider region.

"The Port Fairy Folk Festival is a very important part of our local culture and the region's heritage," mayor Daniel Meade said.

"Many people have been coming to the festival year after year and council is committed to working with the festival committee and other local stakeholders to ensure the annual event is a success.

"We have also continued to work closely with the committee to regularly update them on our accommodation availability.

"All powered sites at council's Port Fairy caravan parks are sold out, with parks at Yambuk, Killarney, Koroit and Mortlake, all at capacity this long-weekend, and the days on either side of the weekend."

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