Majors Creek Festival, the annual festival of more than 28 years, returns to the stunning Southern Tablelands village of Majors Creek this autumn, 17th – 19th March, for a weekend of live music, workshops, bush dances and dance displays, and much more.
First started by the Braidwood Folk Club as an opportunity for people to get together and camp for a weekend sharing music and stories, the festival has come a long way growing into what is now a flagship event in the region.
After a three-year break caused by bushfires, the pandemic and flooding, the highly anticipated festival is back better than ever at the Majors Creek Recreation Reserve.
The best of the best in Folk, Roots & Americana
Majors programs the very best in the Folk, Roots, and Americana genres and prides itself on a diverse line-up each year – from quiet listening in the old stone church to rowdy bluegrass hoedowns and everything in between.
“It’s hard to pick just a few highlights because everyone on our line-up is amazing, but some performer highlights for 2023 include the unmissable Bill Chambers, and the return of Neil Murray of Warumpi Band fame,” says Festival Director Hannah Gillespie.
“The stunning vocal work of all-girl band Big Sky Mountain, and the larrikin rockabilly antics of Canberra’s own The Fuelers are also not to be missed. We’re also really excited to have the folk brilliance of Two if by Sea, Chloe and Jason Roweth, and the all-original instrumental 1960s Jamaican reggae band, King Canoe, on board this year,” she continues.
Family-friendly fun
As always, the festival promises a fun weekend out for the whole family, with plenty of activities on offer to keep the little ones entertained.
“Kids are so important to us at Majors, and their dedicated tent is the best! Families can expect full days of programmed activities, both Saturday and Sunday, including everything from music, circus and fun to craft, creating and learning. There are also shows specifically for kids over the weekend on the big stages, too, and some quiet calm spaces for those who need it. Oh, and don’t forget the Maypole and children’s performance concerts,” Hannah explains.
“I’ve played at Majors Creek many times over the years and it remains one of my all-time favourites. It’s perfect for families with kids, showcases a huge variety of music genres and provides punters with the opportunity to just indulge in the festive atmosphere or get in and participate and learn if desired. Great food, great company and a really, really special and unique event.” Ruth Hazleton
A space for learning and sharing
One of the festival’s biggest drawcards is the opportunity for patrons to get in on the action by taking part in some of the many workshops on offer – all free to attend with a ticket to the festival.
“There are so many options on offer this year – you could learn to play a variety of instruments, learn a new bush or rock ‘n’ roll dance, attend a talk on music related topics or environmental management, take part in a bluegrass or Irish session, or perhaps some late-night shanty singing is more your thing? Wander down to the pub stage or over to the beautiful old church for acoustic music… and of course, don’t miss the super popular Saturday night bush dance,” Hannah recommends.
The festival’s colourful markets are also always popular and play a big part in providing the patrons with a complete festival experience. Expect to find a vast array of handmade, locally grown and produced, unique items on display as well as beautiful multicultural food and sweets, coffees, and a well-stocked bar.
One of the cornerstones of Majors Creek Festival is its commitment to sustainability. As a leader and award winner in the sustainable events space, the festival ensures minimal impact on the environment by turning all its organic waste into compost on a working farm. The festival also looks to expand the value of the organic waste by providing a Quality Assurance chain from the ‘food plate to the farm gate’. Participants at future events will be able to learn more about the festival’s commitment to limiting impact on the environment through informative workshops and information sessions.
“We are so excited to be back playing Majors Creek. We played here in 2019 and really loved it. It really has a community feel both in terms of the festival-goers and the artists. The performance spaces have such a great vibe as does the campground. We also loved the sustainable aspects of the festival. It might be a little festival but has a huge vibe.” The Water Runners
Linger longer
Whether you are coming out for a day or the entire weekend, make sure to reserve some time to explore all that the region has to offer. Majors Creek is surrounded by other towns and villages with historic charm, and is also located just a short drive from Deua National Park.
“Majors Creek is a stunning little village full of history, a delight to stroll around – but if folks wanted to venture further, they could go for a swim in the Shoalhaven out at Ballalaba, or venture down the escarpment via Reidsdale to explore the Araluen Valley, or just take a stroll through historic Braidwood which is only a 15-minute drive from the festival grounds,” Hannah recommends.
Keen to join the festivities in March? For full event details and tickets, visit the Majors Creek Festival website.
