Folk music can be one of those things where you either love it or you hate it. For the lovers out there, you probably don’t need much convincing to head along to this weekend’s National Folk Festival. But for those who are a little unsure of just what this noise is all about, here are five (and a half) reasons to ‘get folked’ this Easter!

1. The cool, the quirky and the unusual

It can be any festival, big or small…it’s never hard to spot them—the colourful, the eccentric and the downright brave. Yes there are crowds and lots of people, but you haven’t lived until you meet the festival folk (pun intended).

With a fusion of over 200 acts from around the world, the National is definitely one way to celebrate difference and diversity over the Easter weekend. From the creatives and resident artists at ArtefACT to the talented artisans in the eclectic market village, and of course the facets of folk musicians, yarn-spinners and raconteurs in this year’s line-up, there’s sure to be an eclectic mix of characters at the Festival.

Then there are the aromas of the delectable food stalls, which are, of course, just as important as the music. The lively village-style atmosphere will be overflowing with flavours from diverse world cuisine delicacies that will see your tummy full. But if you prefer more than a nibble between gigs, why not enjoy something a little more lavish from the menu at one of the seven sit-down wine bar restaurants and bars. Trust me, you won’t be going home hungry.

2.  The kooky cultural vibe

There is definitely a certain vibe in the air when it comes to the National Folk Festival. For some it starts with the mid-week master classes on offer; for other it’s the trickle turn torrent of folkie festival-goers as EPIC starts to fill to capacity.

From unusual stage names to themed bars and delectable food stalls galore, you’ll know exactly where you are right throughout the five festival days with everything arranged into somewhat obvious themes. For those not familiar with the Festival’s setting, most of the program stage names  follow those used by EPIC—that is the names of local indigenous tribes and meeting places within the Canberra region, (Budawang, Coorong etc.),. But, there are few, which the folk at the National have conjured up themselves.

The Scrumpy is an intimate themed bar named after a cider that is often sold at the Festival (and yes, it will be there again this year); Flute ‘n’ Fiddle speaks for itself; while the Carnival Stage (named last year) is where all the daytime fun can be found for the kids. With furniture kindly donated by The Green Shed, the Bohemian Bar (where you’ll find this redhead) is the main blackboard venue where burgeoning performers can get up and strut their stuff; more for the hipster and less the main-streamer.

3. Festival of quirk

If you experience nothing else this Easter, then at least look forward to a big weekend at the Majestic, renowned among many a die-hard folkie as the “Festival of Quirk”. Continuing this year with all the events you know and love, it is where traditional folk often morphs into nu-folk, the warped and the weird—where bush meets slam and circus battles Morris.

Catch gypsy deathcore bandits The Barons of Tang; the Fabulous Corricks Travelling Show, a mixture of film, circus, vaudeville and anything goes; and big late night shows from dub, dancehall, reggae, drum n bass groove outfit, Dubmarine.

Promising everything from the ridiculous to the sublime there’s The Poncho Circus or if you’re game, the Not For Kids Show where unspeakable magic can happen unimpeded. It is the Majestic after all!

4. The Music

The National promises to bring you the world’s songs, music and dances from nearly every continent on Earth. But with so many sounds worth listening to this weekend, your auditory senses might just go into overdrive.

While much can be learnt about an individual culture through its music, the folk genre is known for its story telling. Young performers on the program, such as Melbourne-based duo The Raglins, will offer a fusion of contemporary edge to the centuries-old style as they find ways to re-imagine ballads into something new and modern.

Inevitably, there will also be a number of band, duos and solo acts creating a buzz among the audience as they intertwine influences including bluegrass, gypsy and punk into the traditional folk mix. Canadian blues legend Woody Mann along with alternative country singer/songwriter Lindi Ortega are two international headlining acts that will undoubtedly have you asking yourself if they really are folk singers although it may be the spiritual and soulful sounds of Irish folksinger Damien Dempsey who blows you away this weekend.

But just remember that folk is the music of the people, and it’s as much about the audience participating as it is those performing, so you just might be asked get up on stage, clap, sing or chant along.

If you’re taking the kids along keep in mind music at festivals can be very loud, even away from the stage. Grab a pair of earplugs or earmuffs to protect their little ears. They’ll thank you for it in years to come.

5. Get creative…

You can’t go to a festival without taking a piece of it home with you. Have some fun creating something to wear, hang, light up or splash with colour in the creative heart of the festival—ArtefACT. Don’t have a creative bone in your body? Don’t stress. There are plenty of workshops to book into or just drop in for as little or as long as you like.

Live on the edge and be daring. Learn to juggle, hula-hoop or poi with the Psycus Circus before heading to a poetry, dance or music workshop where you can take in a slam, frock up for the Heritage Ball or try the Celtic mandolin. Finish it off with the Festival Community Parade where you can showcase your creative talent and flash about your creative masterpiece. There’s plenty for the kids to do too.

5 ½. Don’t forget the kids…

The National Folk Festival has something for everyone including the little folk with KidzFest and Carnival Stage filled with daytime delights. Based on the famous Aboriginal legend of Tiddalik the Frog, there’s an engaging and interactive 45-minute play about conservation that’s bound to keep the kiddies still before rumbling with laughter at the hilarious Zap Circus—a high energy acrobatic performance full of stunts and dangerous feats of grandeur. Sing along to Songs and Lore of the Sea with Tom Lewis, a North American ex-sailor, as he brings to life The Age of Sail with stories and songs, tall tales and true.

So you see, whether you love it or hate it there are plenty of (new) reasons to spend the next five days at the National Folk Festival.

Folk music is shared from person to person, place to place and from generation to generation, so why not take the family and get folked this Easter!

the essentials

What: The National Folk Festival
When: Thursday 17 to Monday 21 April
Where: EPIC, Flemington Road Mitchell
Tickets: Buy them here