When the National Folk Festival takes the stage this Easter long weekend, it will include a very special tribute to bushfire-affected communities, including Cobargo.
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This year's event is renaming a stage and coordinating fundraising efforts in recognition of the fire-affected folk festivals of Cobargo, Nariel Creek and Numeralla.
Following the devastating fires that tore through countless communities in Australia's east coast this summer, many major events were cancelled or postponed.
Among them were the Cobargo Folk Festival, Nariel Creek Folk Festival and Numeralla Folk Festival. Cobargo has been postponed, Nariel Creek was evacuated during its event over New Year, and Numeralla has been cancelled.
The National Folk Festival reached out to support these communities at this year's event with a host of relief and fundraising efforts.
The popular Fitzroy Pavilion venue will be renamed the "Hope for Folk" Stage with 100 per cent of proceeds from the adjoining bar going to the Cobargo, Nariel Creek and Numeralla folk communities.
From 2-5pm on Saturday afternoon of the NFF, there will be a "Hope for Folk" concert featuring a selection of performers who were originally programmed for the affected folk festivals. Additionally, merchandise from these communities will be on sale at the venue and volunteers will be collecting donations for Cobargo, Nariel Creek and Numeralla.
"As the National Festival we want to take the lead in supporting regional and grassroots festivals," Helen Roben, NFF managing director, said.
"We are all part of the folk family and looking out for each other in these challenging times is our priority."
The 54th National Folk Festival will be held at Exhibition Park in Canberra from April 9-13.
For more details and the official program, visit www.folkfestival.org.au/