Despite sweltering heat, limited water supply and no shower amenities, the Music at the Creek festival from 13-15 November at Majors Creek Recreation Ground 16km from Braidwood (NSW) did somehow managed to pull an impressive crowd of patrons ranging from infants all the way to retirees.

This annual family-friendly folk festival was established some 16 years ago, held roughly around the same time in November, by the Braidwood Folk Music Club (which apparently many of those who initiated it are still actively involved in the running of the festival), and is developed through the support of Waste Wise Events of the NSW government into one of the must see folk festivals in the region.

The festival acts as a platform for many emerging artists to perform alongside the more well-known artists with this year’s program boasting back-to-back performances, choirs, music workshops, dance and poetry, and children's activities from 21 traditional groups, 16 contemporary groups, and 6 ethnic music groups. It includes performances from amazing talents such as Bizerka, Blue Mountain Rain, Kooky Fandago, Kim Churchill and Craig Sinclair, and the purchases of their CDs from as little as $10. The festival puts together over a couple of interesting venues including; the historic church built in the 1870s, the local pub (built in 1913), the community hall, the main stage and the marquee (right next to a playground) along with free camping sites, all within the parameters of the recreational grounds which been around since the late 1800s.

The most remarkable aspect of the festival isn’t all about the performances but also that of its loyal patrons who eagerly return year after year with children in one hand and their kitchen sinks in the other. “Oh, it’s a real treat,” says one of it festival patrons, “I’ve been coming to this for nearly 10 years!” Music at the Creek festival nurtures the festivity of folk music to multi inter-generational audiences by becoming an avenue for the enjoyment of music and its activities for the entire family. (My six-year old certainly enjoyed playing with other kids there while I was sitting close by listening to music performances!)

Oh and if you are ever in Braidwood during the summer, don’t miss out on a swim at its divine waterhole. It’s off Bombay road, pass the Waste and Recycling Depot, cross the small bridge, and it’s the first right (along dirt road) just up the hill. It’s a real treat!!!

Music at the Creek Festival
13, 14 & 15 November 2009
Majors Creek Recreation Ground
Majors Creek, NSW

For more info visit the Music at the Creek website