PARTICIPATE
Each year at the Festival there are many opportunities to join in with you voice or instrument, or as a dancer, including our Festival Ensembles that welcome folks of all levels. Whether you're an experienced player or simply love to get involved, these ensembles give you the chance to actively participate in the collaborative magic of the Festival. Rehearse with and then perform alongside artists from all over the world.
See below for the details of our Festival Ensembles in 2026!
Additionally, the Festival has other opportunities to participate including oodles of workshops and sessions, and other special opportunities. You can also throw your hat in the ring to perform on the blackboard stage at The Bohemia. This venue hosts short performances by anyone who wants to share, from budding instrumentalists and singer-songwriters to seasoned performers, sign up for your chance to perform. Performers are selected through an unbiased ballot system, and you can sign up in person at the venue each day during the Festival.
2026 FESTIVAL ENSEMBLES
Whether you're a seasoned player/dancer/singer, or giving it a go for the first time, there's a group for you. Ensembles meet over three or four consecutive days during the Festival. Once you've purchased a Season Pass, you can register. Many Ensembles fill quickly, so book your spot today!
Dance: Appalachian Dance. Led by: Phil Jamison (USA)
Learn Southern US square dance and flatfooting over four days. Perform at the Monday night Appalachian Dance. No partner or experience needed. All rehearsals feature live music. Rehearses Fri–Sat–Sun–Mon.
Dance: Indian Dance. Led by: Narthanalaya Indian Dance and Music
Each day begins with beginner-friendly movement, followed by rehearsals for those attending all four days. Learn classical Indian dance with an optional performance at the Monday Farewell Concert, accompanied by live music. No experience necessary. Rehearses Fri–Sat–Sun–Mon.
Dance: Rapper Sword. Led by: Coral Reid
Master the fast, intricate rapper sword tradition from North-East England. Create a new routine with live music and perform it in the Farewell Concert. Rehearses Fri–Sat–Sun–Mon.
Music: Family Marimba Band. Led by: MarimbaTaters
Kids, carers, and parents come together to play marimbas and more. No experience needed. Use the MarimbaTaters’ instruments or bring your own (any type) and follow the provided arrangements. Rehearses Fri–Sat–Sun–Mon, with a short performance before the Farewell Concert.
Music: Festival Bush Band. Led by: Austral
Join the band and rehearse across Fri–Sat–Sun and get ready to perform for the Sunday night Ball. All instruments and experience levels welcome. Learn classic bush dance tunes and play for a dance!
Music: Festival Choir. Led by: Windborne (USA)
Sing soaring harmonies in bold, inventive arrangements. Learn by ear, explore harmony and vocal technique, and perform in the Final Concert on Monday. Rehearses Fri–Sat–Sun–Mon.
Music: Festival Guitars. Led by: Tony McManus (CAN/SCOT)
Explore Celtic and related traditions for plucked strings. Learn about chord progressions, dropped D tuning, arranging, and ensemble playing. Open to guitar, bouzouki, cittern, mandolin, and similar instruments. Rehearses Fri–Sat–Sun.
Music: Festival Strings. Led by: Homebru & Apolline
A vibrant string ensemble sharing Australian folk tunes. All bowed or strummed strings welcome. Multiple parts provided for all skill levels. Rehearses Fri–Sat–Sun–Mon and performs in the Final Concert.
Music: Festival Ukes. Led by: Thom Jackson & Ukulele Republic of Canberra
Daily morning drop-in sessions for ukulele players of all ages. Strum and sing songs from the Festival Songbook. No registration required.
Music: Radical Pick-Up Marching Band. Led by: Riff Raff Radical Marching Band
Make music for peace and justice with this loud and lively street band. All ages, instruments, and abilities welcome. Rehearses Fri–Sat–Sun–Mon and performs in the Sunday night Lantern Parade.
Music: ReStrung. Led by: Mickey & Michelle
String players rehearse Fri–Sat–Sun–Mon and perform in a special Final Concert alongside featured Festival artists. For intermediate and advanced players.
