Folk go to Woodford festival

MR FIX-IT: Oliver Kelsey takes on a volunteering role at Woodford Folk Festival this week.

Claudia Baxter

IPSWICH people are in the thick of the action at the 26th Woodford Folk Festival, as volunteers, campaigners and spectators.

An event of international standing, the festival is held annually from December 27 to January 1.

More than 2000 performers and 580 events are programmed this week.

Ipswich volunteer Oliver Kelsey will spend his sixth year at Woodford, this time as a "fix-it" man.

"I do things like cutting trees and fixing bridges," he said.

"I love the community there. Everybody is just wonderful - there's never a problem.

"The festival's coming together lovely. The weather's been fantastic.

"Last year was constant rain and constant mud. This year, the sun's come out."

Cassie McMahon, from Lock The Gate Alliance, said the festival was a great opportunity to connect people to the community groups throughout Australia that are part of the alliance, including Ipswich members.

"Lock The Gate Alliance (LTGA) is the fastest-growing social movement which is addressing the rapid expansion of the coal and gas industry," she said.

"Folk culture is very connected to building a sense of community and connection to the land and LTGA aligns with this very well.

"This will be my 20th festival at Woodford when you count the tree-planting and dreaming festivals.

"I have also participated in the monthly tree-huggers program to maintain the thousands of trees that have been planted since the site was purchased."

Ipswich Little Theatre director Suzanne Matulich said Woodford during festival time was "an enchanted place".

"The people are relaxed and happy - you never see anyone arguing or fighting," she said.

"There is amazing music from a diverse troupe of talented performers, lots of fun street entertainment, a wide variety of food and drinks to try and even a cricket match on the green."

- Yvonne Gardiner