The festival will run on the labour day long weekend from March 10 to 13.

Folkie program director Justin Rudge said ticket sales were going strong.

"Which unfortunately hasn't been the case across the industry," he said.

"We're so fortunate to have such a loyal audience.

"About 70 per cent are return festival goers but we also have 400 new ticket purchasers this year."

Mr Rudge said the third-lineup included a diverse range of acts.

"The great thing about this artist announcement is that it's a real breadth announcement," he said.

"It covers a lot of different genres and styles and cultures - everything from Andrew Gurruwiwi Band from Arnhem Land, Vieux Farka Touré from Mali and other artists from France, the US, England and Canada in this announcement."

"It is so diverse that what one person likes the next might not but it's a place to discover music.

"The Folkie is getting bigger and more exciting with every artist announcement."

Mr Rudge said there would be no significant changes to the festival but said organisers aimed to improve the model each year.

"Everything's really positive which is great after two years of uncertainty," he said.

He said two things introduced at this year's festival would return: the Archie Roach Foundation Stage and the Future Folk young musician development program.

The Archie Roach Foundation Stage was launched in honour of Roach's foundation.

The youth program, supported by Moyne Shire Council through the Victorian Government FReeZA program, gives south-west artists aged between 12 and 25 the opportunity to perform as part of the festival.

Applications close on December 1.

Mr Rudge said more south-west acts will be announced.

Joining the diverse range of acts are:

Andrew Gurruwiwi Band

Blues Roulette

Bud Rokesky

Early James (USA)

Eilen Jewell (USA)

Folk Bitch Trio

Gallie, Georgia Mooney

Georgia State Line

Jon Boden from England

Minor Gold

Nick Charles

Sally Seltmann

Scott Cook (Canada)

Skyscraper Stan

Startijenn (France)

Sweet Talk

The Southern Ocean Sea Band

Vieux Farka Touré (Mali)

William Crighton

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