The Planting Festival 2017

Did you see in the new year at Woodford? Now it's time to give back.
Sarah Ward
April 24, 2017

Overview

When you're making shapes to a live set at the Woodford Folk Festival you're probably not thinking about what comes next. No, we don't mean the reality that is your post-fest life. We're talking about the impact of so many friendly revellers upon the event's luscious natural setting.

Of course, the folks behind the annual event always have that on their mind. In fact, they've crafted a yearly pilgrimage to help redress the damage the festival does to the environment. It started as a tree-planting working bee back in 1997, and has evolved into something even bigger. Think talks, presentations and performances, as well as daily planting and weeding activities.

In 2017, The Planting includes conversations about everything from activism and astrophysics to female brewers and herbal first aid— and yes, that's just the beginning of a lineup that features Helen Razer, Michael Leunig and Richard Fidler among the speakers. Learning more about natural plant dyeing, beekeeping, pilates and making profiteroles are also on the very eclectic agenda, as are wildlife-focused bushwalks, a host of culinary cook-ups, a craft beer appreciation class and more than a few meditation sessions.

Music-wise, Band of Frequencies, Hollow Coves, Gawurra and The East Pointers are among those on the bill, while film fans can check out on-topic docos such as Sherpa and Frackman. And, by camping out and doing your part to give back to the place and space that hosts such a fantastic cultural event, you're not only making sure you can see in the new year there in the future, but that generations to come will be able to too.

Image: The Planting.

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