The Auckland Folk Festival will be back this summer with an interesting, both ethnically and gender diverse line-up of local and international artists. New Zealand’s biggest annual grassroots folk music gathering will take place again at the Kumeu Showgrounds, over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, January 25-28, 2019.

Featured in the third line up announcement:

APRA Songwriter Speaks: Tami Neilson

Each year APRA AMCOS bring a songwriter to the Festival for what is called ‘Songwriter Speaks’. We collaborate with APRA to choose a New Zealand songwriter who is at the peak of their craft and who writes songs that contribute to the folk world. In past years we have welcomed Don McGlashan, Tama Waipara, Mel Parsons, Gerry Paul, and in 2018 The Eastern's Adam McGrath. This year we are excited to present the APRA AMCOS Songwriter Speaks with Silver Scroll-winning songwriter Tami Neilson.

Social Media Songwriter Competition

We are bringing back our social media competition this year, after the tremendous success of the inaugural competition for the 2017 and 2018 Festivals. We are giving you the chance to play at the 2019 Festival. All you have to do is send us a video of you performing a folk song. The song can be an original, a cover, or a traditional song. The winner will get the chance to perform on one of the main stages at our Festival as well as a weekend pass to attend the whole Festival. You can find all the details on our Facebook page. Make sure you read the instructions and tag us correctly so we can find your video! Entries close on the 19th of December, and we’ll announce the winner on the 24th. The photo above links to a performance of last year's winner Sophie Mashlan.

Tui Winners

The news is out! With Jono Heyes, The Frank Burkitt Band and Great North, three excellent artists are in the running for the Tui for Best Folk Artist. They'll be performing at on the Sunday of the Festival and the award will be presented during our final concert of the weekend! Congratulations!

Dancing

The Auckland Folk Festival is not just about music! We have a full dance programme that takes over the large hall and open spaces around the Festival grounds. 2019 will be no different as we welcome a range of dancers, styles and workshops. You can be an audience member for a dance showcase, or maybe you want to go learn a dance, or take part in one of the many ceilidhs that occur in the hall each evening.

Don’t miss out on getting your dance on, you can always have a rest and watch some music before coming back for the next session.

Ethno New Zealand

What appears to be madness on stage could actually be a most magnificent performance from Ethno New Zealand! They are returning on the Sunday of our 2019 Festival for their final performance! What is Ethno New Zealand? Well, let us link you in!

BYO

As a festival that's not in the hands of big breweries, you can bring the alcoholic liquid of your choice to accompany the music. If you do, please bring your tent and sleeping bag!

The family-friendly festival showcases folk musicians from around New Zealand and the world to entertain guests of all ages. Festival goers can enjoy a full weekend of concerts, dances and educational workshops, all within the boundaries of the Kumeu Showgrounds, situated just a short drive northwest of Auckland city.

With a new breed of NZ folk artists enjoying international attention the festival has also been evolving in recent years, drawing in a younger generation of fans who appreciate those authentic modern songwriters, as well as more traditional folk and dance.

The Auckland Folk Festival provides opportunities for the artists and attendees alike to share their own music and celebrations with like-minded people from all cultures.

Sustainability is at the forefront of festival organisers’ decisions with recycling stations and a no-rubbish policy. Set in a spacious rural environ, the festival supports local businesses by using their services where possible. All tickets include camping.