Six day Woodford Folk Festival to attract more than 100,000

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the annual Woodford Folk Festival in the run up to New Year's Day.

The six day event, which runs from today (27th December) on the Sunshine Coast hinterland is Australia's largest annual gathering of artists and musicians.

Festival Director Bill Hauritz told the ABC that he expects around 20,000 people to attend each day, stating "if you're into energy and colour and art and music - it's a relaxed festival of goodwill."

Hauritz added "the preparation of the festival is the best we've ever had.

"I don't think the site has ever looked as beautiful as it does - and I think with the emphasis that we've put on visual arts is going to create an atmosphere of something really special this year."

Hauritz said the festival continues to grow, continuing "it's been growing quite fast ... there's 22 formally booked stages and there's other venues as well.

"There's 480 acts - I think it comes to around 2,500 performers.

"It is a big festival in terms of programming (and) it's certainly big in terms of logistics."

Last year's event injected $17 million into Queensland's economy and generated more than 200,000 visitor nights.

Main image courtesy of Martin Ollman.

For more information go to www.woodfordfolkfestival.com