Looking forward to celebrating the summer with songs across Lutruwita/Tasmania
January 9th-11th: Cygnet Folk Festival
The Cygnet Folk Festival is one of Australia’s most iconic folk music festivals. Very highly regarded by musicians and festival-goers from all over Australia and overseas, competition to come to Cygnet is at an all time high amongst performers, and last year we had a record number of applications! The Festival is a showcase of eclectic music genres featuring both local and international talent, dance, poetry, masterclasses, film, kids’ entertainment, food, wine, art and local handicrafts all set in the breathtaking scenery of Tasmania’s Huon Valley.
Musicians and volunteers plan their annual holidays around coming to Cygnet in January each year and many come from interstate and overseas especially to be part of this wonderful event. The incredible talent of local and visiting musicians is celebrated over the January weekend and we are proud that so many amazing performers and festival goers take part in what the Festival has to offer each year.
The Cygnet Folk Festival began in 1982 and is a not-for-profit community event organised by a volunteer management committee (Huon Folk Inc), a paid Festival Manager & Art Director and many dedicated people volunteering their time and expertise. Huon Folk Inc is open to membership as an incorporated association: to become a member please click here for the online form.
Cygnet has a population of less than 1,600 people and for such a small community, the Festival is impressive in its size, scope and quality.
The Festival attracts thousands of visitors every year. A rich cultural community event, the Festival provides entertainment to a wide audience of Festival attendees, making people smile, providing opportunities and a springboard for young musicians, opportunities for local businesses, and new friendships.
The aims of the Festival are:
- to offer folk, ethno, world, singer-songwriter, roots and acoustic music, dance, poetry and workshops from local, national and international artists.
- to encourage interest in and awareness of folk music and associated activities to people of diverse ages and backgrounds.
- to provide support and opportunities to young musicians.
- to foster mutually beneficial relationships with the local community, businesses and associations.
January 30th: Festivale
Festivale is Tasmania’s premium summer event held across three days, held in Launceston’s City Park January 30th-February 1st.
Held annually, Festivale attracts around 28,000 visitors and takes place on the first weekend of February. Originally established in 1988 as a multi-cultural street party, it has evolved into an iconic Tasmanian event, drawing people together to celebrate what Tasmania has to offer the world.
Festivale presents the best of Tasmania’s produce, cool climate wines, beers, spirits and exceptional entertainment in a historically and culturally significant outdoor location on the fringe of the city and is considered one of the best food and wine festivals in Australia. Under historic elm trees, family and friends can relax in the wide open space of City Park. Festivale provides an opportunity to ‘taste’ and experience the best of what Tasmania has to offer.
February 8th: Brewlab
Serenades at Brewlab on February 8th in the summer sun. A celebration of a season of light, and feasting with locally crafted beverages. All community members welcome, and dogs are in abundance – a joy.
February 28th: Koonya Garlic Festival
A unique and original Tasman experience celebrating the joy of garlic, the food it flavours, and the music and arts that it inspires. The Koonya Garlic Festival is the longest running Garlic Festival in Australia and the first in Lutruwita/Tasmania and is a most anticipated harvest festival and celebration.
The Koonya Garlic Festival is a not-for-profit organisation supporting amateur and commercial garlic growers throughout Lutruwita. The festival aims to provide an opportunity for the local community to join together while they showcase the Peninsula as a place that is complemented by arts and culture, engaging with some of Lutruwita/Tasmania and Australia’s most celebrated gardening and culinary experts.
