By Chris Lambie.
TOWN FOLK FESTIVAL, Castlemaine, November 15 2025
The Castlemaine Sunken Oval and surrounding venues hosted another joyous one-day event on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. With ample state-wide media coverage pre-fest, music lovers turned up in force from late-morning onwards. The queue to enter the oval main stage area seemed scarily long. But processing by staff and volunteers was efficient and friendly. Meanwhile, we could hear Australian-British songstress Hana Stretton opening proceedings to ease us in. Without a repeat of last year’s blistering heat, sunshine was welcome with ample shade available. Food trucks, kids’ zone, bar and dunnies all catered well for punters.
While there was plenty of alt-folk on the program, there was again a mix of genre influences among the acts. The oval was roomy, the other three stages saw cosier crowds. For some ‘must-see’ performances, it was a case of getting in early to secure space with a view. At the closed-off street stage by The Bridge Hotel, I caught lo-fi Californian outfit Sylviewith their Laurel Canyon-esque harmonies. Also there, Merpire drew an enthusiastic reception.
At the Shedshaker Brewery, Broome icon Stephen Pigram (guitar, harmonica and those distinctive salt-water vocals) was accompanied by Kerryn Tolhusrt on lap steel guitars. Laid back stories and songs (including tribute to his grandmother ‘Mimi’) charmed the crowd. Closing with ‘Mojo Blues’, it was hard to believe he’d ever felt he’d lost it. Dead-set deadly legend.
The sound at Boomtown Winery was exceptional among the shiny vats. Sydney-based producer and songwriter Jerome Blazé and band fermented a sonic brew of electronica, soul and classical soundscapes. The tight and captivating ensemble, featuring Sarah Levins’ soaring vocals, were a stand-out. Infectious, ambient joy.
Back at the oval, a string of finely chilled sets led into the late afternoon. Duo Didirri & Rowena Wise, a resplendent Meg Washington and soul queen Ella Thompson among them. I recall predicting a bright future for the latter and her bandmates, some 20 years ago. Then backed by fellow teens Josh and Sam Teskey, Thompson went on to work with Renee Geyer and The Bamboos. Great to hear some tasty brass behind her at TFF.
Stephen Pigram appeared again with the Pigram Brothers playing a welcome range of their hits. Those songs always just make you feel good. Like breathing in the warm Kimberley air. A fan with a familiar voice wandered on stage to join them on ‘Johnny Walker’s Shoes’ (from 2001 album Jiir). That being one Mr Paul Kelly, grinning from ear to ear. As I missed the later set by Dan Kelly’s Regional Crisis, I can neither confirm nor deny another appearance by Dan’s uncle. (I also missed Charm of Finches, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs and Jazzparty but was told all were highlights.)
Having seen WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) at WOMADelaide in March, I anticipated a feast of danceable Zamrock and wasn’t disappointed. From Zambia’s 1970s underground music scene, their funky Afrobeat stylings brought some invigorating rocking energy to the day. Frontman Emanuel “Jagari” Chanda came down to the stage-side crowd for a bit audience participation. A row of excited kids got to add a little percussion to the rhythms.
From Northeast Arnhem Land, Yolŋu surf-rock band King Stingray were obvious crowd favourites. Fans did their best to sing along in language to hit song ‘Milkumana’. I was dying to hear ‘Camp Dog’ but you can’t have everything. Despite the sound being a bit dampened, the energy coming from stage and ground prevailed.
To end the evening, US artist Sharon Van Etten lit up the stage with her band the Attachment Theory. Their foreboding instrumental opening built to an evocative crescendo of layered indie noir folk/rock. (Is that a thing?) Van Etten was in fine voice and described the event as an affirmation of the sense of community. It certainly was.