The streets of George Town were filled with people soaking in the wholesome atmosphere of this year’s Tamar Valley Folk Festival.
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Acts from across Tasmania and Australia journeyed to George Town for the 28-year-old festival.
Festival director Chris Atwell said the weekend was a fabulous success.
“Positive feedback from everyone, no complaints everyone’s been happy,” she said.
“Everything’s been full so a great festival.”
A particular highlight of the weekend was the headlining performances from former Australian Idol winner Damien Leith.
“Damien Leith flew in for us Friday night and performed at the opening concert,” Ms Atwell said.
“He had his own concert which had a capacity crowd in the hall, it was fabulous.”
Other acts they drew crowds included the Byron Bay-based Heart Collectors, Innocent Eve, New Holland Honey Eaters and local acts such as Scott Haigh.
“Hetty Binns who’s one of Tasmania’s original folk singers - she did a concert of songbirds from the 60s and 70s at the Bass and Flinders and that was packed and it was beautiful,” Ms Atwell said.
“A lot of these artists are now heading to Tamworth that’s why they have to pull out and go but we appreciate them flying down for us.”
Folk artists Mathew Dames and Anna Talbot played out the festival on Sunday.
Dames said folk music has a special place in many a Tasmanian’s heart, as they have family roots in Ireland and Scotland.
“That’s probably a big part of it I’d say, just how they can relate to their heritage through the music,” he said.
“I was brought up around the folk tradition like in the Irish pubs and clubs growing up as a kid my parents would always take us to where people were playing fiddles and mandolins.
“That kind of stuck with me.
“People singing together and taking joy from each other’s music yeah it’s great, such a good thing.”
Ms Atwell said the committee was originally concerned with Mona Foma being brought north.
“But then we sat back and regrouped and thought that there are plenty of good people out there that like the kinds of things we do,” she said.
“We just went on the hunt for a good headline act and choosing someone like Damien Leith was a good move.”
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