The next Top Half Festival will be at Mary River Park over the Queen’s Birthday Weekend – 8-11 June 2018.

To get on to the 2018 Festival Mailing List just send a requesting email to secretary@topendfolkclub.org

The latest Top Half Folk Festival Newsletter includes details of our 2018 guest artists, some information on workshops and an invitation to participate in the Poets’ Breakfasts

Note that advance purchase of Weekend Tickets closes on 3 June

Click here for the THFF Newsletter #4

Click here for the THFF Newsletter #3

Click here to download THFF Newsletter #2

Click here for the THFF Newsletter #1

Click here to download the Weekend Ticket purchase form

And here is the first Festival Newsletter

48th Top Half Folk Festival       8th – 11th June 2018            Newsletter No 1 March 2018

Mark Up Your Diaries!

The 48^th Top Half Folk Festival will be held at Mary River Park, starting on the evening of Friday 8th June and going through to Monday 11th June.

This is the first of a series of Newsletters to provide information about the event.

The Program…

…. is still being developed but you can expect the following format:

Friday – Set up, Meet and greet, Welcome Concert (I hour) followed by a session in the bar area

Saturday – Poets’ Breakfast, kids’ program, morning workshops, lunch, the Famous Folk Quiz, afternoon ‘Speed Concert’ (each bracket = 2 songs), dinner, Main concert, Songs around the campfire, late session

Sunday – Poets’ Breakfast, kids’ program, morning workshops, lunch, afternoon workshop, afternoon Speed Concert, dinner, Main concert, Songs around the campfire, late session

Monday – Tidy up, pack up and fond farewells.

Further details of the Program will be circulated in the next Newsletter.

Guest Artists

The Top End Folk Club has finalised the arrangements for guest artists but until we confirm with the performers concerned we must remain tight-lipped.

Hints: we’ll welcome back some ‘Blasts From the Past’ and friends; plus there will be some talent swapping with the Alice Springs mob.

In addition to our guests, we expect the usual suspects from Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine will be there – Scotty Balfour, Peter Bate, Phil Beck, Ted & Carolynne Burns, Dave Evans, Ted Egan, Phil Gray, Fritz Risler, South of the Berrimah Line, Paul Stewart, Tony Suttor and more.

Venue

As with previous festivals in the Top End, the venue is again Mary River Park, which is about 110km from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway. Further details of the venue are at www.maryriverretreat.com.au

 Accommodation

A range of accommodation is available at Mary River Park, from Pool Bungalows to unpowered camping sites. Details can be found at the end of this Newsletter.

It is VERY important that all accommodation is booked in advance – including camping sites. Mary River Park have blocked out the whole weekend for the Festival and bookings need to be made direct to the Park – do not use other on-line booking services.

There is no booking number – just state that you are attending the Folk Festival.

Bookings must be made by email to info@maryriverretreat.com.au or by telephone 08 8978 8877

 Food and Drink

Mary River Park will put on breakfasts, lunches and dinners at reasonable prices.

There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options, but any other special diets need to be advised in advance.

The Gecko Bar will be open from midday until “late”.

Please note that BYO is not permitted in the restaurant and bar deck areas.

 Tickets

Weekend Tickets which provide entry to all concerts and workshops are on sale now. Costs are:

Weekend Ticket (before May 11th)                             $90

Weekend Ticket (after May 11th)                              $100

Day Ticket (includes MRP Day charge)                      $50

Single Concert Only (3.15-5.30 or 7.30-11.00pm)     $25

Adolescent weekend ticket (12 to 18 years)               $25

Kids (under 12, with a paying adult)                          Free

We are sorry we are unable to offer Concession prices.

A form for advance tickets purchase is attached.

Other Activities

A wildlife cruise may be available subject to numbers, river level and guide availability.  Further details in subsequent Newsletters.

 ACCOMMODATION  OPTIONS – TOP HALF FOLK FESTIVAL

June 8-11 2018

10 x Pool Bungalows – up to 2 persons $660 for the 3 nights. Extra charge for a third person.

11 x Bush Bungalows – fully booked out

 5 x Family Bungalows – up to 4 persons $660 for the 3 nights. Extra charge for a fifth person.

Safari Tents (fan cooled, adults only, 2 people max) $458 for the 3 nights.

Powered Camp Sites – $135 for the 3 nights for 2 people. Additional people extra.  Maximum 6 people per site.

Unpowered Sites – $90 for the 3 nights for 2 people. Additional people extra.  Maximum 6 people per site.

ABOVE AVAILABILITY AND PRICES as at 2 March 2018

Deposits required at time of booking:

$50 deposit for all Bungalow bookings

Single night fee deposits for camping bookings

 Discount – Note that if paid in full by Sunday 8 April 2018 a %10 discount will be applied to all bookings

REMINDER – ALL ACCOMMODATION MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.

info@maryriverretreat.com.au or telephone (08) 8978 8877