Something for everyone at outdoors fest

Dunedin’s legendary outdoors folk music festival, Whare Flat Folk Festival, returns at the end of this month, offering four days of music and camping, in the bush near Dunedin.

Featuring folk musicians of all stripes from New Zealand and around the world, Whare Flat Folk Festival will run December 31-January 3, at Waiora Scout Camp, North Taieri.

In a statement, festival host Dunedin Folk Club said alongside an intensive programme of concerts, the family-friendly festival would feature workshops, dance events and programmes for children.

Among the top lineup of guests will be South Australian songwriter, banjo and guitar player Nigel Wearne; Wellington-based singer-songwriter Ebony Lamb with Gram Antler; as well as a Taranaki invasion from Mike Harding, Gumboot Tango, Dave Murphy and Janet Muggeridge.

On the festival’s opening night, after the welcoming concert, festival-goers will be able to take part in a Taranaki-style Big Gumboot Jam in the hall.

The traditional New Year’s Eve ceilidh will once again be accompanied by the Dunedin Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and friends, with various dance callers, including this year’s dance tutor, Fiona Murdoch.

After midnight, the party will continue with music from Oscar LaDell’s band.

There will be a strong blues contingent, The Ebeling Brothers anchoring the Blues Lunchbox at noon on New Year’s Day.

Helen Capes will bring her traditional Northumbrian smallpipes to the festival and will also run the Festival Orchestra, and Cath King will run the Festival Choir for the second year.

Many of the festival guests will also run workshops, giving participants the opportunity to play and sing.

A fun and vibrant children’s programme will include dance, nature walks, songwriting, a magic show and more.

For more information on the festival, visit www.whareflat.org.nz — APL