Thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government’s Latrobe Valley Community Facility Fund, the Boolarra Folk Festival will have an extended events program over the upcoming weekend.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today joined the Latrobe Valley Authority to announce that the Festival would receive $5,000 enabling the festival to extend its program to Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday.

The award winning Boolarra Folk Festival is an annual free community event that is now in its 15th year.

Alongside live music, the festival features art, crafts and food, all staged within one of Gippsland’s most beautiful parks.

The recent purchase of the Boolarra Community Hotel by the local community will also mean for the first time visitors can stay in the six acres of camping space adjacent to the hotel, just a five minute walk from the festival site.

In total some 10,000 people are expected to attend, with many of these from Melbourne and interstate boosting jobs and the local economy.

The Boolarra Folk Festival, run by local community volunteers, begins this Friday 4 March at ARC Yinnar, continuing throughout the weekend and concluding at the Boolarra Community Hotel on Sunday 6 March.

For more information go to www.boolarrafolkfestival.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The Boolarra Folk Festival is a fantastic community event that not only brings the local community together but helps create jobs and boost the Gippsland economy.”

“This weekend’s event looks set to be the best yet and its ongoing success is testament to all the local volunteers and community members whose dedication and hard work is second to none.”

Quotes attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority Interim CEO Kylie White

“This Festival has a strong history of community support, being run entirely by volunteers for the benefit of the locals including traders, venues, business, accommodation and artisans alike.”

“Like all our Latrobe Valley communities – Boolarra is affected by the closure of Hazelwood and so this event provides a welcome boost to the economy and community.”