The Numeralla Folk Festival returns to the Numeralla Memorial Hall for the 49th year on the Australia Day long weekend, 23–26 January.

This beloved community gathering celebrates traditional folk music, dance, and connection in the heart of regional NSW.

Run entirely by volunteers, the festival features a community kitchen, barbecue, bar and market stalls, with all proceeds supporting local community groups including fire brigades and churches - ensuring the event’s sustainability and continued charm.

As a community festival, success is measured through participation and local connection rather than ticket revenue.

With free entry and camping, the festival welcomes families, musicians, and folk enthusiasts for live performances, participatory workshops, bush dances, and riverside jamming.

The festival opens with a supper concert on Friday evening 23 January, featuring performances by South Coast and Canberra musicians including dynamic Celtic trio ‘Humbug’.

Burn up some energy on Saturday morning at the African drumming and dance workshop with live dance music from band Dancing Room Only. Take a breath before the rhythms return for a clogg and tap dance workshop.

There will be just enough time for a dip in the river and a home-cooked meal at the hall before getting back on the dance floor for the spirited festival bush dance that caps off a day of festival fun. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, you can dance the night away or just enjoy listening to a cracker traditional bush band that’s so big it overflows the stage.

Jump start with java on Sunday at the country market where you’ll not only find the Coffee 2630 van but also a host of stalls selling home-made goods and crafts. Being a family-friendly event, there are also kids craft activities. Sample the local scones and delectables with a cuppa in the supper room.

Sunday afternoon is the time to settle back to listen to the blackboard concert. Or, if you are a budding artist, perhaps you can make your debut on the stage.

Be at the hall at 10am on Sunday to put your name on the blackboard – it fills up quickly.

A new initiative and highlight at this year’s festival is the songwriters performance on Sunday evening. In December, the festival hosted a one-day song-writers’ workshop. Led by acclaimed singer-songwriter, James Church, participants spent a day learning about song structure and writing strategies then drafting a new song under James’s guidance.

Their task over the last month has been to work on their song to prepare it for performance at the festival.

You might get to listen to an up-and-coming troubadour if you come along to the Sunday evening concert and a few surprise performers as well. What more could you possibly want for a weekend’s entertainment?

For more information visit the Numeralla Folk Festival webpage or on Facebook.

There are no tickets and bookings for campsites are not required.

Attendees are invited to come early, soak up the folk spirit and celebrate music and community together.

Organisers are reminding festival goers, dogs aren’t allowed at the Numeralla hall.