CresFest, the amazing roots and folk music festival is coming to Creswick for the fourth time in April 2025. CresFest is about the joy of live music – playing it, hearing it, watching it, dancing to it, learning it and being inspired by it.
It all happens in one small Victorian town: Creswick, just 15 minutes from Ballarat and 20 minutes from Daylesford. Among the headline acts from Australia are Neil Murray, The Maes, Joe Geia, Grace Barbe, Kerryn Fields, Tuckshop Ladies and Stephen Taberner's Sofa of Fools, with young artists Apolline, Candi and Madi Colville Walker. From overseas we have Natty Dolaiasi (Solomons) Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth (UK) Chris Stout & Catriona McKay (Scotland) and Grassy Strings (India).
More than concerts, there will be opportunities to participate through a packed program of workshops including singing, dancing and playing, learning new skills and taking part in the majestic Rhythms of Africa Extravaganza which takes over the centre of town with Kofi Kunkpe’s Ghanaian drumming ensemble, 100 children and the Creswick Drummers.
There’s something for everyone: budding performers can enter the IGA Busking Competition and sign up for open mic spots, while local players are invited to learn from and perform with visiting professionals; ticket holders and volunteers can join the Festival Choir. Kids have their very own zone for entertainment and workshops.
