Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival unpacked

Perched high atop the New England Plateau, where the Gondwana Rainforest whispers its ancient song, the mountainside town of Dorrigo comes alive each October. For one long weekend every year, The Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival fills the air with the lilt of fiddles and the hum of laughter between old friends and new. Here we talk to the festival director, Bridget Rees, who shares the story behind the event, the exciting things in store for the 23rd annual Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, and what makes it so special.

 

In 2002, young Jack Sommers, a 17-year-old bluegrass musician, turned to his mother, Bridget and said, “Mum, there’s no music festival here. We’re going to have to have one.”

“Then he just started it,” Bridget recalls. “The first festival kicked off in September that year with the great support of the Arts Council at that time. We had 300 people attend, and it just grew from there.”

While the festival has come a long way from its humble beginnings back in 2002, it’s managed to stay in touch with its authentic, home-grown feel after all these years – thanks in no small part to Bridget and her dedicated team.
“People come because they know their expectations will be fulfilled. Every year, they take another journey with us. We have different entertainers, performers, and nuances, but they can always expect the same Dorrigo creativity they’ve grown to know and love.” Bridget says.

Spread across three days, this boutique festival is built on the foundations of integrity, community connection and creativity. Centred around family and art, this is the kind of multi-day festival you can enjoy with your kids.

“Although Jack’s now in Queensland, he left something behind in Dorrigo that’s grown into what I think is a pretty unique and individual event – different from other festivals.

Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival is not just a festival where people come, listen to the music, and the performers disappear backstage – it’s a place where connection happens.
“I think that’s why performers love coming to Dorrigo,” Bridget says. ”It’s small enough that connection just happens naturally – they can chat with patrons, join in on jams, and connect with other performers.
“We’ve also never had a bar in the festival area,” Bridget explains. “Campers can have their own, but inside it creates a totally different feel for the concerts and workshops. The kids can move around and be comfortable, and I think that’s helped over the years.”

The festival’s commitment to caring for the land runs just as deep. Working with the local Landcare group, all compostable waste is turned back into green waste. “A couple of years later, it’s helping grow carrots,” Bridget says with a laugh.

What’s on this year? 

This year’s program is packed. With a stellar line-up of over 40 artists across folk, bluegrass, and beyond, and a number of workshops to attend, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy.

For three days before the festival, the Old-Time Music School provides a culturally relevant element allowing students a space to connect, learn and be inspired from tutors who have direct connections to the rich traditions and heritage of the music.

“We have artists from overseas and Australia come to teach about music,” says Bridget. “It’s about inspiration. There’s a genuine link between the music people make today and where it comes from. It’s not just bluegrass or country – all music has a path back to something wonderful and deeply inspirational.”
The Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival itself begins with the Welcome Ceremony at 5.30pm on Friday 24 October, followed by music, workshops and more running across all three days, finishing up on Sunday 26 October at 5.30pm.

The workshop program is varied – learn to sing bluegrass harmony or play basic bluegrass guitar, or give writing your very first folk song a crack. For younger festival-goers, the dedicated kids’ area runs alongside the main program, with every workshop tying back to music and creativity, planting the same spark that has kept the festival’s circle turning for more than two decades.

Eat, drink, stay?

The festival keeps food as local as possible, with artisan stalls, coffee, and a Youth Cafe run by local teens as a fundraiser. Guests can self-cater or enjoy two food court areas and cafe breakfasts on site and in town.

Camping is also available at the Dorrigo Showground, a short stroll from all the action. Most sites are unpowered and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with toilets and showers on site. Camping passes must be purchased separately to your festival ticket.

The Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival kicks off on the October long weekend, Friday 24 – Sunday 26 October this year. Find out more and get your tickets here. 

@dorrigofolkbluegrassfest