50k boost will see more local acts at Port Fairy Folk Festival

The local event is among 12 recipients across West Vic to be allocated a portion of the $3 million state government fund.

Zara Cuthbertson
July 07, 2025

The Port Fairy Folk Festival has landed a $50,000 state government grant to boost accessibility and promote local artists, as part of a broader funding push to strengthen Victoria’s live music scene.

The funding is drawn from the $3 million Victorian Gig Fund and Music Works grants, which aim to back local musicians, regional events and local music venues across the state.

Festival committee president Bruce Leishman told the Brolga the funding will assist in providing better access to the site and its amenities, alongside programming local artists and “specialised events unique to the Folkie”.

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Warrnambool’s all-abilities choir, Find Your Voice Collective, received $18,285 to work with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on new music created by artists with disability, while the Warrnambool Symphony Orchestra will use a $5,000 grant to perform works by regional composers.

Smaller live music venues across western Victoria will also benefit, including the Camperdown Theatre Royal, Mac’s Hotel in Portland, Seanchai Irish Pub in Warrnambool, and Port Fairy’s Caledonian Inn, with each receiving $11,000 to stage local gigs.

Header image: Lucinda Goodwin Photography