Numeralla Folk Festival drew another lively crowd of visitors and locals for its 49th festival held over the Australia Day long weekend.

Festival-goers were treated to a supper concert on Friday, 23 January by international folk legend, Andy Irvine, at the Numeralla Hall.

For more than five decades, Andy has been regarded as one of Ireland’s great singer-songwriters and was at the forefront of the world music movement.

Along with special guest, Andy, the evening featured performances by South Coast and Canberra musicians, a fabulous way to kick off the weekend festival.

The camp ground across the bridge was full as was the area around the village’s tennis courts indicating a good roll-up of attendees ready for some more festival fun and dance.

Saturday’s program was packed with the first of two button accordion workshops to start the day off, a poets’ breakfast, drumming workshop, West African dance and clog and tap dance workshops in the afternoon, followed by the popular bush dance.

The second button accordion workshop was held on Sunday morning, followed by another poets’ breakfast, country markets, kids’ craft and Bavarian dance workshop.

One of the favourite parts of the festival for many, the blackboard concert, drew a good crowd in the afternoon with an acoustic supper concert rounding off the weekend program.

The kitchen, bar and barbecue volunteers were working hard across the three days keeping the food and refreshments going, along with the Coffee 2630 van.

This charming festival remains free, with no charge for camping, and is run entirely by volunteers - with all proceeds supporting local community groups including fire brigades and churches.

Next year will be the 50th year of the Numeralla Folk Festival, a special year to celebrate the much-loved community gathering that celebrates traditional folk music, dance and re-connection.

The festival is one of the last remaining free events of its kind in Australia.

The event is a big economic driver for the region, and is one of a number of large music offerings in the Snowy Monaro.

Organiers are hoping for one of their biggest festivals yet when the 50th anniversary rolls around next year.

Performers with a long connection to Numeralla are set to return to celebrate milestone.

The festival has attracted some of Australia’s most revered folk performers over the years and allowed local talent to kick-start their careers.