What an honour to be part of the National Folk Festival this year! Five vibrant days of music, dance, workshops, and family fun transformed Australia's capital into a celebration of folk culture that brought together thousands of music lovers.
From the moment the first notes echoed across the festival grounds, the Super Mande beats proved absolutely irresistible. Everyone was up and moving, creating spontaneous dance parties that spread from the intimate Coorong venue all the way to the bustling Piazza and beyond. Watching families, couples and solo adventurers all move to the same infectious rhythms reminded us that rhythm needs no translation.
The festival's strength lies in its incredible diversity. Traditional folk sessions sat alongside world music performances, while hands-on workshops gave attendees the chance to learn new instruments, dance steps and cultural traditions.
What struck us most was the genuine sense of community that permeated every corner. Strangers became friends over shared interests, impromptu jam sessions sprouted in the Super Mande market stall, and the boundaries between performer and audience beautifully blurred as everyone joined the roving street procession, led by our master drummer Mady Keita.
Scroll down for photos and videos that capture the energy. Being part of this incredible celebration was truly a joy that reminded us why folk music remains such a powerful force in bringing communities together.
