Media Release 24 August 2023
FolkWorld Inc is thrilled to announce that Fairbridge Festival will return in full swing in 2024, with an exceptional new location.
The three-day event, proudly supported by the Shire of Murray, will be held at the Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra, from 5-7 April 2024, marking the first change in location since the festival began in 1993.
FolkWorld Inc. General Manager Lloyd Sabin said that after an extensive search for a pilot venue, the Shire of Murray’s proposal to use Edenvale Heritage Precinct perfectly captured the essence of the festival.
“We are so excited to be holding our much-loved music festival at a fresh new location on the fringe of the Pinjarra township. We’re looking forward to bringing our long-standing Fairbridge Festival community back together again and working with the Shire of Murray and the local community and businesses of Pinjarra to make this a memorable experience,” Mr Sabin said.
“While the site will look a little different next year, we are bringing back the best of the past with an eye clearly on the future.
“Our family-friendly essence, traditions and strong foundation of exceptional programming, inclusivity and community engagement creates a magical event for all ages,” he said.
Located just five kilometres from the original festival site, Pinjarra is less than an hour’s drive, and easily accessible from the metropolitan areas of Perth and Bunbury.
Shire of Murray President, Councillor David Bolt, said this accessibility and the local community’s adventurous spirit make it the perfect location.
“We are delighted to be hosting the 2024 Fairbridge Festival to make this a fantastic celebration of music, arts and community,” said Councillor Bolt.
“Events play a critical role in making the Murray Region a great place to live, work and visit and in achieving our community’s social, cultural and economic ambitions. The festival will provide our residents and visitors an exciting experience that showcases Pinjarra’s creative culture and wild at heart spirit.
“We are very pleased that FolkWorld has the confidence in us as a community to deliver such an iconic event on the Western Australian cultural calendar. At the Shire, we look forward to playing our part so the event goes from strength to strength,” Councillor Bolt said.
Detailed information on key sites and activations, including camping locations will be released in due course.
Upcoming Milestones
- Tickets go on sale in late 2023
- Artist applications open Friday 1 September and close Saturday 30 September
- FolkWorld Fairbridge Festival Concert Series: 22 September, Freo Social (feat. El Pony Pisador and Emily Barker), 17 November, Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre (feat Foghorn Stringband and Bluegrass Parkway)
- Concert Evening for Pinjarra residents 23 September.
- First artist line-up announcement in October 2023.
- Vendor and volunteer applications open November 2023
Background information on FolkWorld Inc and Fairbridge Festival
FolkWorld Inc, founded in 1992, is a member-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting traditional, contemporary and multi-cultural folk, world and roots music, dance and related arts. With a particular emphasis on family-friendly audiences, FolkWorld Inc curates a full calendar of events and programs while collaborating with schools, community centres, and cultural institutions.
Fairbridge Festival is FolkWorld Inc’s flagship event. First launching in 1993, the event has grown to become one of the most prestigious and beloved folk and world music festivals in the country. Built on a strong foundation of exceptional programming, inclusivity, community engagement and environmental consciousness, the Festival has gained a strong following of long-term members, fans and volunteers who return to the event year after year.
FolkWorld navigated Covid-19 cancellations in 2020 and 2022 and successfully held a sold out festival in 2021. In 2022 FolkWorld Inc was advised the venue hired for the previous 30 years, Fairbridge Village, was no longer available due to its ageing infrastructure and quickly undertook a comprehensive search for a new location.