WoodfordFolk Festival and the Queensland Folk Federation

WFF is owned and managed by the Queensland Folk Federation (QFF), a not for profit organisation that is also a recognised charity. The QFF have been ahead of their time in promoting eco-tourism, which hit major popularity in the late 90’s. They see the site, which is called Woodfordia, as environmental parkland for all and have strived to improve the land and environment in and directly surrounding it both for the improvement of the surrounds but also the location as a tourist destination. This has appealed to all of the patrons who attend.

QFF has spent more than $10 million in upgrades to the Woodfordia site since including construction of more than 37 amenities blocks, development and maintenance of 28km’s of road, installation of electricity, water and sullage lines and a water filtration plant, planting of over 80,000 trees, development of waterways through the festival, extensive landscaping and drainage works and development of a 25,000 seat amphitheatre just to name the some important upgrades. They also have plans to build a hydro/wind power plant and waste treatment plant that will not only provide for the festival, but for the wider community for the majority of the year. All of this is helping to cater for the growing consumer demand and also falls perfectly under their Environmental and Socio/economic plans.( http://bit.ly/l47gud)

In creating and sticking to these plans QFF have effectively created strong community ties with their patrons, locals and traditional indigenous owners, creating loyal, returning customers. Each year WFF aims increase participation in the festival while trying to keep its marketing relationship. They have clearly succeeded if you look at participation going from 800 in 1987 to more than 130,000 in 2007/08 and the majority either saying they have been already or will be going again. 

‘People are the most important part of any event and Woodford is no exception. Here we see every possible combination of race, culture, age, taste and talent.’ Colin Sheehan (http://www.frozentime.com.au/gen/people.htm)

The festival appeals to a diverse audience with all ages and many nationalities attracted each year. Considering WFF broad appeal it is unsurprising to learn the target market for this event is widely varied. Ages that attend are extremely widespread. From young children all the way through to grandparents. Not only all sorts of people from all parts of Australia, but the world. Here to witness some of Australia’s rich cultural background. With Woodfordia being just over an hour north of Brisbane, it is easy to get to.

 

The WFF has helped cater for everyone with the invention of single day tickets, season tickets, season tickets with camping and free entry for children. This allows customers from many walks of life to appreciate this event in their desired time and comfort. You can drive back into Woodford and stay in a hotel (I advise booking early, as you can count on the being booked out close to the event), camp onsite or get on one of the many shuttle buses back to Brisbane.