Dunedin's hills will be alive with the sound of music over New Year, as the New Edinburgh Folk Club presents the 39th annual Whare Flat Folk Festival.
Based at Waiora Scout Camp, the festival is firmly aimed at families, with a wide range of music from visiting and local performers as well as a dance programme, workshops and a busy programme for children. The festival runs from December 30 to January 3.
Festival director Bernadette Berry said with the festival taking place just 20 minutes from Dunedin and well equipped to handle any weather, it was an ideal event for people to enjoy.
''A lot of people come and go - and you can get passes for all or any part of the festival.
''We're really hoping that local people will get in and give us their support this year.''
Of course, music is the main focus of the festival, and there is an intriguing line-up of special guests this year, including Australian sisters The Little Stevies, songwriting duo Vellamo, from Finland, television presenter and musician Cameron Bennett, American duo No Bones About It, Wellington songwriter Helen Dorothy, Auckland trio Oslo Brown and Auckland group Unsung Heroes.
Leading the charge for local performers are John Egenes, Hummingbird, Valley Bluegrass, Tahu and the Takahes, and King Leo.
''While this is billed as a folk festival, we really have just about every sort of music represented, from bluegrass to jazz and blues,'' Ms Berry said.
Along with main-stage performances from guests, festival-goers and emerging performers will have a chance to strut their stuff in ''open-mic'' sessions.
''A festival like this gives emerging performers a great opportunity to perform to an appreciative and supportive audience - it's a very good place to gain confidence as a performer,'' Ms Berry said.
This year's festival dance programme, led by Irish dance specialist Kathryn Olcott, will have the theme of traditional American country and western. There will be a workshop programme for all ages encompassing country-western dance forms and costume workshops, culminating in a children's performance on January 2.
To ensure the festival is fun for all, there will be a children's programme of dance and music led by Kathryn Olcott, Rhys Latton, of Ake Ake theatre company, Vellamo, Kat Anna Fiddle and more.
''This is a great way to immerse your children in an arts-based programme, which is great fun,'' Ms Berry said.
The New Year's Eve Barn Dance will be divided into two sessions: an early one from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, to allow children to take part, and a later one for adults.
Passes for the festival are on sale now at the Scottish Shop and www.whareflat.org.nz.
