Christchurch Folk Music Club

Waimate Folk Festival is a small, mostly indoor festival in the Waimate region, on the east coast of Te Waipounamu, between Timaru and Oamaru. Suitable for hearty types, it attracts many a beard and woolly jumper.

Unlike other festivals, Waimate Winter Folk Festival does not pay guest artists, rather – everyone has an opportunity to add to the entertainment and have their time on stage.

Everyone is welcome to bring an act or a poem prepared as a group or solo and fill a 15-minute slot. 

If you’re keen, put your name into the hat for the blind date concert, or just enjoy the music from the comfort of the audience.

Registration includes three nights of accommodation (or camping, for the hardy), entertainment and workshops from Saturday morning to Sunday evening.

Evening meals for Saturday and Sunday will be available to purchase.

First-timers are advised to plan their journey and to endeavour to arrive in daylight (tricky country roads). Bring warm clothes, hats, hotties and food to cater for yourselves.

Bring your knitting, your instruments, song ideas, music stands and chord charts, maybe a log of wood or some newspaper for the fire and expect to hunker down for the weekend.

If the weather has been dry – a bush walk may be possible so bring your jacket and boots.Day passes are also available.

For info:

go to WAIMATE FOLK FESTIVAL website
or search Waimate Winter Folk Festival on facebook or folkmusic.org.nz