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festival awards
NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE NATIONAL FOLK recording AWARD
For an outstanding CD released in 2011, by a performer who is appearing at this year’s festival. With participation and artistic development being key elements of the National Folk Festival’s unique approach, each year there are a number of awards presented to individuals or groups as encouragement and recognition of their outstanding contributions to Australian folk music, dance and folk arts.
LIs JOHNSTON AWARD
Awarded to an excellent ‘unknown’ singer at the National, this award is presented in memory of a wonderful singer and stalwart of the Victorian folk community.
CHRIS WENDT AWARD
Recognising excellence in a young musician at the National, the Chris Wendt Award is presented in memory of a musician who was a prolific composer of Scottish tunes.
SOCIAL DANCE ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA AWARD
Awarded to the creators of two new dance compositions. The judging of this year’s award is part of the program, so why not drop in and try out a brand new dance tune.
NATIONAL FOLK RECITER’S AWARD
This perpetual award, crafted in solid Ironbark wood, will be awarded for the 28th time, to the Best Performer at the Poet’s Breakfasts.
MCARTHUR’S FART
Trapped in perpetuity in a, thankfully, well-sealed Vegemite jar, this prestigious and pungent award is presented to, (and preserved on behalf of!) the winning team of the Great Poetry Debate, marking their ability to bring fresh air to an otherwise heated debate of global-warming proportions!
INFINITE SONG COMPETITION
Our ever-popular song competition, with a new theme each year. This year it’s the songs of Leonard Cohen. Heats every day and the final on Monday.
FAA YOUNG FOLK AWARD
Presented by Folk Alliance Australia, and the National Folk Festival, this is an award to a young, promising performer, aged between 10-18 years, and nominated by a folk club or festival. The finalists will perform in the FAA Young Folk Awards Concert on Sunday.
PETER J DALY MEMORIAL AWARD
Established by Meg Daly in memory of her husband Peter, a long-standing volunteer for the National Folk Festival and a Stalls Coordinator for many years. The award is provided to an artist or group of Australian origin that gives an outstanding performance of Celtic music at the festival.
ALISTAIR HULETT MEMORIAL AWARD
Presented in memory of the late great Scottish folk singer whose name is inextricably linked to songs of social justice. The award, presented for the first time on 2012, by the Alistair Hulett Memorial Fund (AHMF), is presented for the best song of social justice. The winning song will be performed at the Final Concert in the Budawang.
yarn spinning
Watch the festivals best yarn spinners compete for this coveted prize daily in the Bohemia Bar at midday.