Report and pictures by John P. Harvey.

Yes, it’s that time again — that prince of festivals, the National Folk Festival, is back.

The 2023 lineup included such stellar performers as Fred Smith, The Waifs, Keith Potger, and Billy Bragg, a few local favourites such as Charm of Finches and Shortis and Simpson, and many, many rising stars.

There were opportunities galore to learn dances from around the globe, attend musicmaking and songwriting workshops, vote in the ever-popular Infinite Song Contest, learn circus stunts, and even jam along till all hours with festival stars in the session bar.  And, with festival goers’ numbers returning to pre-lockdown numbers, at 30,000 or so, that unique communal air of festive friendliness was well and truly back.

This year’s festival looks to be even bigger, and the lineup includes constant festival favourites The Spooky Men’s Chorale, Warehouse Circus, The Maes, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, The Cashews, Alinta Barlow, Lucy Wise, Kim Yang, David Bridie, and Mélisande.

With its venues jumping with energy, food and drink of all kinds available, and the charm of Canberran country air so near the big smoke, this is one festival that’s always a joy to attend.