The internationally renowned singer-songwriter will appear alongside Peter Titchener at the event's welcome concert on Friday night before playing Saturday afternoon show and festival co-ordinator Christine Atwell says if ticket sales are anything to go by, festival-goers are very keen to see him in action.

"He performed at the festival around 20 years ago and he readily agreed to fly in to help us celebrate," she said.

"Ticket sales are very strong."

The three-day festival will also feature performances from Alanna and Alicia, Paper Souls and Dave Steel and Tiffany Eckhardt.

Ms Atwell said the festival had an uncanny knack for inspiring its audience to become performers.

"Many of our local children have been so impressed by our acts, have gone on to become performers and musicians, poets, writers.

"We have a young man performing this year, Scott Haigh, who has grown up with the festival and that is a testament to what a small community can do for its people."

Ms Atwell said she was "astounded" with the talent the festival managed to attract year after year.

"I hope the people of the region and visitors will come to George Town and experience such a warm, friendly festival known throughout Australia as one of the best boutique festivals.

"All we need is people to come along and we promise they will have a great time."

Tickets are available at Memorial Hall Gallery from January 15, online, or at the door.