A note from the President of the Port Fairy Folk Festival Committee
Dear Port Fairy Folk Festival Friend,
Our mission is to present to you an enriched and unforgettable musical, social and cultural experience in a respectful and joyous atmosphere. To ensure your continued enjoyment of this unique event, the Committee welcomed your feedback and are delighted to announce some new initiatives for 2018.
Performances by artists across the program
All artists programmed for the Festival will be performing a minimum of two shows with the only exceptions being themed and collaborative concerts, such as The Guitarists, Women Out Loud, forums and guest speakers.
Seating in Stage 3
In Stage 3, permanent ‘auditorium style’ seating will be introduced to ensure a comfortable capacity. Areas that are fully accessible with clear sight lines for patrons who have access requirements will be available. Improved entry and exit points for Stage 3 will also be introduced.
Patron etiquette
All MCs will advise audiences of the House Rules at every act change-over. In the spirit of our Festival, prolonged seat saving is not allowed and ushers and MCs will be there to support this initiative. House Rules for each stage will be distributed to all ticket holders prior to the event and clearly displayed at each venue either on screen or at the entrances.
Dance friendly venues
In 2017, Stage 2 became ‘dance friendly’. To ensure that all patrons are aware of dance-friendly events, these concerts will be colour coded in the program to cater for patrons who prefer seated concerts only. Please note that all artists who are programmed on the dance friendly stage will also be programmed at other venues throughout the Festival. The Lighthouse and Stage 5 will remain with seats provided.
The Shebeen
As part of our efforts to provide better access and free movement of patrons we have also redesigned the Shebeen to allow for a greater separation of audience patrons and those at the bar area. The length of the venue has been increased by 15 metres, and the outside area greatly increased. Two entry/exit points have been designed to allow more freedom of movement in and out. The venue has been turned 90 degrees running east-west, with backstage against the Stadium. The Shebeen program will be more in tune with the audience expectations and allow greater engagement between audience and performers.
Affordable accommodation
A new ‘Tent City’ camping ground 500 metres from the Festival Arena has been established with tents, beds and amenities provided. For those of you who are happy to camp but don’t have the gear, this is a great option for you. This site is located at the Port Fairy Consolidated School and all profits will go to develop school programs. Bookings can be made by clicking here.
Shuttle Bus Service expanded
An expanded shuttle bus service in Port Fairy and a shuttle service to Warrnambool will be introduced in 2018. Made possible with support from the Transport Accident Commission these services will provide regular pick up and drop off at various points around Port Fairy as well as points along the way to Warrnambool. The services will be exclusive to Festival ticket holders/wrist band wearers. The schedule will be posted on our website by the end of November and will be pubished in the program book.
ATMs
In 2018 we will have ATMs within the Arena precinct for your added convenience.
We, as your Port Fairy Folk Festival Committee Inc., take your feedback seriously and are continually working to present for you the best possible experience.
We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to having you join with us for a truly wonderful 2018 Festival!
Have a safe and wonderful festive season.
Yours sincerely,
John Young
President
Port Fairy Folk Festival Committee Inc.
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