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ANZAC weekend is the time of year for Tradfest. Originally held at Toby's place in Tutira, for the last three festivals, the venue has been The Waiotapu Forest Camp south of Rotorua.
Here is a review written by John Stafford who travelled from Queensland to be at this year's Tradfest;
Just coming down after a magnificent Tradfest in Waiotapu (a forestry camp south of Rotorua, NZ).Tradfest is a small festival (about 75 attending) focusing on traditional British song with a smattering of New Zealand, modern songs written in the style, and parodies. Songs were mostly unaccompanied (A Capella if you prefer)with a 17-piece Festival orchestra catering for instrumentalists. Singers came from all over the North Island and many were very experienced. Someone called it the cream of NZ singers. I caught up with a number of singers I knew from the ‘70s and ‘80s – notably Ron Craig, Jean Reid, Gavin Asher and Chris Penman– and met lots of new best friends!
The first night was a New Folk Song I Have Learned – over 40 singers. So many singers there was only time forone song each. Virtually none of the singers used words. On the rare times someone forgot their words there was always someone to help. The harmony singing was just glorious.
During the days there were two blackboard concerts – limit of two songs – and you could only sing at one of the two. So much talent! I sang some songs new to them and there was a smattering of voices by verse two and full-blooded harmonies by the third verse! There were also several sing around sessions – one with a theme of green – all with more than enough singers.
There were two other concerts –one a request of a favourite song you heard at the festival and a collaboration concert where you sang/played with people you didn’t usually sing with. I thought these were great ideas.
The festival was concentrated on the hall with a spillover to the dining room. With the limited space festivalgoers mixed freely and from time to time a table would burst into song and the discussions were fast, furious and funny – enough to keep this folk-nerd happy. The dining room was also home for the festival pot luck shared dinner.
The after concert sessions were amazing – full throated harmony sessions that went on for hours.
On the final day there was the camp cleanup and a final great touch – a farewell song in a circle with glorious harmony.
This was simply the best festival I have been to in many decades. The singing was just glorious and a great atmosphere between all the participants. My thanks to Barry and Lorna Swallow the main organisers to all the session leaders, and all the singers who made the festival such a success. I’m already planning for a return visit!!
And here is the link to an article written by Rosie Whinray https://rosiewhinray.substack.com/p/folk-songs-and-folk-singers
