Auckland Folk Festival 2021 Full Lineup Announced Ft. Troy Kingi, BEING. + More

The jaw-dropping jam-packed full lineup has been revealed for the 48th Auckland Folk Festival, happening over three days at Kumeu Showgrounds during Auckland Anniversary Weekend (Fri 29th Jan - Mon 1st Feb) in early 2021. Genre-spanning 2020 Taite Music Prize winner Troy Kingi and Tāmaki songwriter BEING. are new additions to the already bustling bill of folk / blues / roots-inspired artists from throughout Aotearoa, which features such significant figures as Best Country Artist 2020 Tui winners Delaney Davidson & Barry Saunders, Cantabrian favourites The Eastern, 2019 NZ Country Artist of the Year Jenny Mitchell and many more.

Amongst the full spectrum of musical goings ons will be a special session called Songs from the Old Country, curated by Olivia Sumich and hosting a diverse array of performances — including Dalmatian Klapa Slapa (an Africa through New Orleans via Cuba session with Craig Denham), Tui Mamaki with The Bulgarian Roses, and a learn how to dance session with The Cuban Groove. Children under 10 are free all weekend and there'll be lots of family friendly activities for everyone, including a Kids Stage and Kids Zone, family picnic, kids dance, nighttime tales, instrument making and even a parade!

“We are very proud of our 2021 lineup. This past year has been challenging for everyone in the music community and so to present such a diverse and inclusive lineup, that is 100% local, is amazing.

Auckland Folk Festival has always been proud of the diversity it has presented over the years. In 2021 we have stepped this up and are incredibly excited to share a group of New Zealand artists that will challenge, surprise and broaden what people think of when they hear the word folk. This is all the different sides of folk found in Aotearoa, and with this in mind, the festival is set to be the perfect three day celebration." — Artistic Director Finn McLennan-Elliott

The 48t​h​ Auckland Folk Festival - Kumeu Showgrounds, Auckland
Auckland Anniversary weekend - Friday 29th January to Monday 1st February 2021

Featuring... Troy Kingi, The Eastern, Delaney Davidson & Barry Saunders, The Black Quartet, The Harmonic Resonators, Aro, Jenny Mitchell, BEING., Looking for Alaska, Sadie & Jay, Liddiard and Louise, Gerry Paul and The Elephant Tree Band, Shimna's List, Rough Town, Raylee Bradfield, Songs from the Old Country, Ethno Aotearoa, Polytropos, John Sutherland, Rhubarb, Gavin & Cara

Tickets are on sale now via Eventfinda (children under 10 are free all weekend)
Early bird tickets close 31st December
Festival timetable released Jan 2021

Watch Troy Kingi and the Upper Class perform 'Mighty Invader' live at Red Room Studios...

Check out the video for Delaney Davidson & Barry Saunders' foot-stomper 'Word Gets Around'...

Watch a live video of Being. with band playing 'Count Me In' live at a studio above Karangahape Road...

Press release:

The 48th Auckland Folk Festival lineup gets even stronger! Returning in January 2021 with a diverse and eclectic lineup of artists from Aotearoa.

The three day celebration takes place over Auckland Anniversary Weekend (Fri 29th Jan - Mon 1st Feb 2021). Bringing together a unique line up of NZ’s best for a very special 3 day celebration of the broad genre that is ‘folk’.

The man of all genres, Troy Kingi, continues his 10 albums in 10 year journey, with a special preview performance of his upcoming folk record. 2021 will be his first appearance at the Auckland Folk Festival, his performance will be stripped back and will reveal a new string on the bow of this supremely talented performer.

Local indie songstress BEING. joins the lineup. Jasmine Balmer aka BEING. will bring her exquisite songwriting and poetry for an intimate solo performance.

Rounding out this final announcement is a special session called Songs from the Old Country, curated by Olivia Sumich. This series will cross over from stage to Dance Hall on the Saturday of the festival and host a diverse array of performances. Featuring Dalmatian Klapa Slapa, an Africa through New Orleans via Cuba session with Craig Denham, and the bewitching Tui Mamaki with The Bulgarian Roses. Learn how to dance with The Cuban Groove and the Bulgarian Roses in the Dance Hall and take your new moves to the Mill Stage in the afternoon.

These artists join the already announced lineup that includes The Eastern, Delaney Davidson & Barry Saunders, Jenny Mitchell, and Aro, Looking for Alaska, to name a few. Full line up below.

Our Kids Stage is once again a huge part of the festival, especially for the many families that camp out all weekend. This year will feature the phenomenal Wellingtonian Gerry Paul and The Elephant Tree Band alongside our beloved regulars Rhubarb, Paul Brown and Gavin & Cara. A youth orchestra takes over the Kids Zone on Saturday afternoon and a family picnic, kids dance and nighttime tales closes out the day. Sunday kicks off with a series of concerts before instrument making and a parade. Children under 10 are free all weekend.

“We are very proud of our 2021 lineup. This past year has been challenging for everyone in the music community and so to present such a diverse and inclusive lineup, that is 100% local, is amazing,” Artistic Director Finn McLennan-Elliott comments.

“Auckland Folk Festival has always been proud of the diversity it has presented over the years. In 2021 we have stepped this up and are incredibly excited to share a group of New Zealand artists that will challenge, surprise and broaden what people think of when they hear the word folk. This is all the different sides of folk found in Aotearoa, and with this in mind, the festival is set to be the perfect three day celebration.”

All marquees are covered but open sided, and as will be the song of the summer, the festival will be keeping a close ear for any government announcements or regulations for gatherings and will ensure a safe environment for all. With an entire showgrounds to spread across, there is plenty of space for all.