Relaxing outside their tent at last year's Whare Flat Folk
Festival are (front, from right) Khris Broughton-Ansin and
Andrew Davies. Behind is Tracy Pettinger (left), Gaye
Davies and Izaak Amperie. Photo by Jane Dawber.
The Whare Flat Folk Festival was established in 1975 and
is a major drawcard for folk musicians.
Bernadette Berry, who has been at the forefront of the
festival for ages, has seen in the new year many times at the
Waiora Scout Camp.
Berry says this year's festival has attracted two groups from
Australia - Mara! and The String Contingent - as well as
Jackie Bristow, the girl from Gore who is now based in the US
and Australia.
The programme features the tried and true blend of solo
musicians, duos and bands playing over a three-day period.
Concerts begin on Thursday, December 30 with a meet and greet
session from 3pm, followed by a welcoming concert by the New
Edinburgh Folk Club and friends, from 8pm.
On New Year's Eve, concerts begin at noon with artists
changing over mostly on the hour until the ''midnight rock
out'' with King Leo.
Whare Flat has long been about families.
Friday's children's menu begins at 9am with a workshop led by
Fillipa Fairy, followed by ukulele with Anna Bowen. From
11am, Siobhan Moroney leads jazz dance for kids.
Bernadette Berry dispels any misconception that folk music is
for older folk.
''There is a great group of new performers coming through -
this festival is hugely popular with teen musicians - we ...
work to encourage young performers.''
For early risers in the New Year, January 1 begins with a
magic show by Jay the Juggler at 11am.
Berry says there's no secret to the festival's longevity.
''It's a fantastic place to be.''
Be there: Whare Flat Folk Festival, Waiora Scout Camp,
December 30-January 1.
• The traditional gig in the Octagon has changed a little
this year, with Delgirl and the Oxo Cubans replaced by Jackie
Bristow, Whateva, and Soul Deep.
Be there: New Year's Eve in the Octagon with Jackie
Bristow, Whateva and Soul Deep.
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