The website for Fairbridge Festival - an annual family-friendly celebration of folk, roots, blues, acoustic, celtic, a capella and world music in a traffic-free, self-contained bushland site at Fairbridge Village, South West Highway, 5 km north of Pinjarra, Western Australia.
Another festival is over and...
“Well what a festival it was!! The highlights are almost too many to mention, from the dream run at Entry, the relaxed feel in the camping areas, the friendly atmosphere and fine entertainment in the streets, to the many incredible musicians and performers that exceeded all expectations. There was a plethora of memorable moments - the deep and ancient sounds of the didge at the Welcome to Country, the most tender, esoteric and atmospheric music in the Chapel, amazing humour in many places, soaring vocal harmonies, breathtaking instrumentalists, sweetly twanging banjo and fulsome accordion, explosive and percussive sounds in Mandja and Riverside and elsewhere, pulsating crowds and incredible synchronised swing on the Dance Stage floor, sheer joy at Ruby’s, Youthopia and the Kid’s Tent, and many completely engaging workshops that bridge the artist/audience gap like nothing else. Surprise and delight were everywhere. And there was plenty to sustain everyone in a satisfying way.
It was great to witness the simple wonder on the faces of babies and children, the animation of young people either performing or listening and dancing, and the warm smiles across the faces of those who have been to many festivals as they meandered gently through. There was palpable happiness across all areas of the festival (that I reached) and that unique and unmistakeable Fairbridge Festival vibe was everywhere. Many interstate and international performers commented on it, and said “Don’t lose it!”
It was close to the most trouble-free and enjoyable festival I can remember, everything was silky smooth. Mark Anderson, CEO of our hosts the Fairbridge Village told me it was the best festival he had attended in his 15 years at the Village. This is all a great testimony to the efforts of the Operations Group, sound and lighting crew and volunteers, and the disposition and cooperation of our patrons. Thanks to everyone for a memorable festival in 2010!!”
Reuben Kooperman
President
Latest news
Get That Gig
A workshop for aspiring festival performers - how to make an effective festival application, including making quality demo recordings and videos, presenting your act, and how to get booked back again once you've got in the door! Presenters include Phoebe Corke, Peter Grandison (Shanghai Twang studios), John Reed, Steve Barnes. Registration is free but please book through the Kulcha website to ensure a spot. Venue: Kulcha Date & time: 18 September (2.00 – 5.00 pm)
Followed that evening at Kulcha – Fairbridge Festival presents...Echoes of Django and Brett Hirsch – gypsy swing and celtic soul, from some of WA's hottest young players. Details and bookings
“Well, we did it again! Special thanks to all the artists who played, sang and danced out of their skins all weekend. By common consent this year was among the strongest and deepest programs we’ve ever had, and the packed audience in the Mandja marquee right down to the last note tells the story. Your feedback is welcome as ever so please let us know what you especially did and didn’t enjoy – the link to the festival survey is on the right. (We know you loved Arte Kanela, Eddi, Nano and the Chips – how could you not?)
We’re straight back in harness planning next year’s event and some exciting names are already in the hat. Watch this space!
Artists applications for 2011 will open in early June and close at the end of September, as usual.
Thanks a million to all who came and made it such a special weekend for all of us.”
