2026 Performers - First Release

Austral (VIC)

Australian Celtic Trad

Multi-award winners at the Australian Folk Music Awards (AFMAs), Austral are a fully-charged, four-piece Australian tunes band combining didgeridoo, Irish pipes, high energy fiddling, journeying songs and energetic foot percussion. Based in Melbourne, they are multi-instrumental powerhouses Angus Barbary, Caity Brennan, Rhys Crimmin and Connor Hoy. Their music is infectiously danceable and you may find it hard to resist the urge to get up and join the dance party yourself. Austral are creating energetic new music from Celtic roots (and branches) to great acclaim at festivals at home and abroad and are a world class band not to be missed.

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The Bushwackers (NSW)

Australiana / Celtic / Folk / Bush

The Bushwackers, formed in 1971, are Australia's beloved folk and country band. Fresh from their sensational appearance on The Voice Australia, The Bushwackers, led by the dynamic Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett, has become synonymous with the heart and soul of Australian music. With songs drawn from the shearing sheds in the bush and original songs such as I Am Australian and Beneath The Southern Cross to Friend For Life and Another Trip to Bunnings, their foot-stomping tunes and heartfelt lyrics have united generations, celebrating Australia’s cultural heritage. 

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Edwina Hayes (UK)

Folk

Edwina Hayes numbers Michael Parkinson and Nanci Griffith among her fans. Her beautifully written songs, charming stage presence and voice of an angel have won her a reputation as a true natural talent. She has opened numerous shows for Jools Holland and Van Morrison and the title track of her album Pour Me A Drink was covered by Nanci Griffith who calls her The sweetest voice in England. Dividing her time between the UK and America, Edwina's second home is Nashville where she is much loved as a songwriter and artist.

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Joshua Batten (VIC)

Roots Rock

Melbourne-based Roots Rocker Joshua Batten is a genuine performer, with a rare ability to truly connect with his audience. With passionate vocals, accomplished guitar playing, layered arrangements and inspirational lyrics, Joshua displays a depth well beyond his years. Based on his insights living with neurodiversity, his songs offer authentic reflections of introspective moments, presented as universally relatable experiences.  With over ten years’ experience as a full-time musician, Joshua has recorded and released three studio albums, each garnering great acclaim. His live shows have resonated with audiences and garnered him a dedicated following, with extensive appearances at festivals across Australia. 

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The Sweet Sorrows (Ireland)

Celtic / Roots Folk

Old-school troubadours, Irish songwriters, storytellers, captivating performers, The Sweet Sorrows come armed with songs about justice, peace, humour, community, history and love.  Based in County Wexford, Ireland, they are veteran Irish singer-songwriter Sammy Horner and (Irish/Aussie) wife Kylie. Their harmonies and humour delight audiences around the globe. Sammy's guitar and bodhran is matched by Kylie's whistles, accordion and melodica.  A show with The Sweet Sorrows always promises to be highly entertaining, provocative and moving. Their intimacy, transparency and strength of passion on stage has won them many fans.

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Timlins Green (SA)

Celtic Rock

This is Irish music like you have never heard before. We take trad and give it a kick.

High energy, audience participation, driving violin, drum and guitar rhythms, a few fables along the way, this is music that moves you from the inside and you don't even know it.

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Those Folk (USA / QLD)

Americana

Charismatic, authentic and thoroughly entertaining, Lawrence Menard (USA) and Clare Quinn (AUS) are the transpacific-troubadours known as Those Folk. Since meeting in Scotland in 2012, they have travelled extensively together and are now based on the Sunshine Coast.  A partnership forged in the fires of folk music, their songwriting explores love, hope, belonging, and the human condition. Breathtaking vocal harmonies are featured alongside rich instrumental work performed on guitar, accordion, mandolin and banjo.  2024 saw the band release their Life Inside a Box album, tour the UK, and perform headline town hall concerts across the east coast of Australia. Recent performance highlights include Woodford Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Yackandandah Folk Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival, and Townsville Folk Festival. Their sound is inspired by iconic duos such as Simon & Garfunkel. Those Folk make not just folk music, but music for all sorts of folk.

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