Artist applications are still open for the 2026 St Albans Folk Festival, held annually over the ANZAC Day long weekend in the heritage village of St Albans, NSW.
Drawing more than 700 patrons each year, the festival celebrates folk in all its forms, from the deeply traditional to the boldly contemporary, and features both seasoned performers and fresh new voices.
Festival director Joe Russell said the event has been running for more than 40 years and has only been cancelled due to natural disasters and the Covid pandemic.
“We offer an intimate atmosphere where artists and audiences can connect with each other and with the village itself,” he said, adding that the festival’s resilience comes at a time when many similar events have struggled.
In 2026, the festival is particularly seeking performers of SWANA and Middle Eastern music, dance or poetry.
Artistic director Miguel Heatwole said non-Anglophone artists have always been part of the program.
“From next year we hope to begin a series of festivals highlighting different cultural groups,” he said.
The St Albans Folk Festival began as informal gatherings at the Settlers Arms Inn, where locals and visitors shared music and stories late into the night, a tradition still at the heart of “S’nalbans” today.
Over the years, it has become known for its warm, community-driven spirit. Audiences are encouraged not only to watch but to join in, whether through impromptu music and dance sessions or organised workshops that run alongside the main program.
Special programming for children, including KidsFest activities and workshops, ensures the event remains family-friendly, while the festival market offers a range of local food, fresh produce and handmade instruments.
Past line-ups have featured a broad mix of styles, from the Celtic and Scandinavian arrangements of Apolline to the theatrical energy of Ungus Ungus Ungus and the heartfelt harmonies of We Mavericks.
This diversity reflects the festival’s commitment to representing the full breadth of folk traditions and innovation.
Musicians, dancers, singers, poets, speakers and street performers can apply via the festival’s website at www.stalbansfolkfestival.com.au until 31 August 2025.
The St Albans Folk Festival will run from 24 to 26 April 2026 in St Albans, near Wisemans Ferry. Visitors can make a day trip or camp on the banks of the Macdonald River for the full weekend experience. Tickets will be available from December.
