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Media Release

Date: 29 April 2025
Newport Folk Festival 2025 – Come and Play
Melbourne’s Premier Winter Folk Celebration Returns, 4–5 July

Newport Folk Festival is back this July for a one-night, one-day celebration of music, community, and creativity. Hosted by the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club, the festival is an open invitation to “Come and Play”—whether you're a seasoned performer, a community player who wants to learn and join in, or someone with a fine ear for great music in a variety of spaces within the musical precinct of Newport. Something for everyone.

This much-loved festival, set in the heart of Newport, brings together homegrown talent and musical friends from across Victoria, interstate, and New Zealand. From vibrant Latin rhythms to intimate acoustic sets, soaring choirs to playful satire, the program spans genres, cultures, and generations—just as folk music should.

🎵 Festival Program: View Here

A Smorgasbord of Sound and Story

The 2025 lineup is diverse and delicious. Expect a rich mix of styles—Latin, Eastern European, Celtic, Gospel, World, and beyond. From spoken word to mass choirs, heartfelt ballads to quirky ensembles (Ungus Ungus Ungus), the festival is a musical buffet of voices and instruments. Featured artists include:

La Descarga – an 8-piece Latin-Australian band closing the festival with irresistible Latin beats.
Fred Smith & Band – Canberra’s finest folk diplomat.
Newport Djangos – local swing favourites.
Newport Strings – a sweeping 17-piece ensemble.
Plus dozens more from Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, New Zealand and beyond.

Local Venues, Big Heart

All festival venues are within walking distance of Newport Station. The Newport Bowls Club is Festival HQ, where you’ll grab your wristband and kick things off at the Friday Night Welcome Concert. Saturday sees a full day of performances and community events across:

The Bowls Club: Non-stop music from 11am–10pm, ending with a big dance party.
The Substation: Our “folk opera house” with concert-style sets in a majestic space.
Newport Scout Hall: A cosy fire, eclectic acts, and an unmistakable community spirit.
The Hub: Explore the musical life of the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club, featuring NFFC groups and friends from St Kilda (SKULL).
The Bowlo Back Room: Performers and you up close and personal – feel the spirit of folk stripped back to its core.
Mechanics Hall: Intimate workshops in guitar, harmony, klezmer—and a folk circle for anyone ready to share a song.

Why We Do This

Since 2008, Newport Folk Festival has been a wintertime highlight for Melbourne’s folk scene—offering a warm, welcoming space for connection and creativity. It's a tonic for the soul in the heart of winter. Whether you're here to listen, learn, sing, or strum, there’s something waiting for you.

So bring your voice, your curiosity, your dancing shoes—or just yourself. Let this be the year you "Come and Play."

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