Canterbury Folk Music Festival
Event description
A family-orientated music festival promoting relaxation, music, education and music to warm hearts. Our aim is to provide a safe, friendly environment with a wide range of music, concerts, educational workshops and artistic entertainment for the whole family. We look forward to another spectacular folk-fiesta.
The festival is an annual event open to the public, for Cantabrians to come along, relax, share, perform and enjoy a festival of acoustic music. The festival is traditionally run over the Easter period – with an emphasis on promoting Canterbury local and upcoming musicians: The Swan Sisters, Adam McGrath, Yurt Party, The Songsmiths, New Zealand musicians - Polly and the Minstrel, Nelson and Fables, Auckland and International musicians - Himmerland, Denmark; Mairi Campbell, Scotland and Diane Ponzio, New York who are chosen to add a unique cultural and educational experience for festival attendees.
Musicians are invited to perform at concerts and run informative, educational and fun workshops for all festival goers to attend. All of the attending guest artists are encouraged to socialise throughout festival duration with attendees, play music and share their knowledge and expertise. There are also organised events which facilitate attendees of all ages who perform with and alongside the guest artists. This provides encouragement and confidence to upcoming younger musicians and music hobbyists alike.
The music festival provides concerts performed by invited professional guest musicians, and also multiple opportunities for festival attendees to perform while using professional equipment, guided by a professional sound technician, and in front of an appreciative listening audience. This provides encouragement and experience for younger Canterbury musicians and artists, and a lifetime experience for many small children, who are encouraged to perform.
The sound of the next folk generation – Youth band workshop
Over the years, we’ve worked with youth, who have blossomed in the youth band project, a supported opportunity to utilise creative initiative and get involved in music. Three sessions led by our team of experienced musicians will help with instrumentation, arrangements, songwriting and band development. There will be a dedicated room for the youth band for ongoing practice sessions.