Folk festival was second largest

The Umina Beach Folk Festival held in October became second largest folk festival to be held in the State, according to event organisers Ms Marilyn Russell and Mr Cec Bucello.

Over 130 performers entertained hundreds of patrons over two days and nights in up to eight separate venues from 9am to midnight.

The performers came from as far afield as Ireland, and from interstate and country NSW, as well as from Sydney and the Central Coast.

"All of our individual events were well attended," Ms Russell said.

"The positive, encouraging feedback leads us to believe that we will have more than twice as many people next year.

"We have received lots of congratulatory emails, phone calls and letters from performers and patrons alike," she said.

Organiser and poet Vic Jeffries was elated with the attendances at the poets' breakfasts.

"We had between 50 and 100 people attending each breakfast, even at 9am.

"This is a first for the Central Coast and they all wanted more," he said.

"I don't know how we're going to fit them in next year.

"We'll have to take over the whole bistro," Mr Jeffries said.

The dance events were also well attended despite several competing dance events on the same weekend, according to organiser Ms Robyn Northwood.

"The dance hall was nearly full for all the dances and the workshops," she said.

"Even the Friday night dance was well attended.

"This was a really pleasant surprise to me," she said.

"The dance presenters themselves really enjoyed their workshops and, where they could, stayed on to try out the other dance styles being taught."

Survey questionnaires were handed out to everyone on arrival and about 70 surveys were returned before the festival ended.

While the survey results had to be collated, first indications were that respondents were satisfied with the festival and would return next year.

One of the highlights of the festival was the farewell concert finale performed by the Wheeze and Suck Band in the club auditorium.

A two-hour concert on and off the stage by this group had everyone present up on their feet and still screaming for more at the end.

Reports from the dance program were similarly enthusiastic, with participants commenting on the variety, the enjoyment and the warm welcome for newcomers.

Volunteers helped with many aspects of the event, including catering, venue management, registrations and cleaning.

Assistance in providing sound and lighting for the main stages at the festival was provided by students from Brisbane Water Secondary College who are currently enrolled in the colleges' unique entertainment industry course.

The event was sponsored by Gosford Council and supported by Umina Beach Public School and Club Umina.

Media release, October 27