KVFF Youth Performer Guidelines 2025
(PDF Version here​)
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About The Festival
The Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival is presented and organised by Shoalhaven Folk Club Inc.
The 18th Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival will be held on 17-19 October 2025 at the Kangaroo Valley Showground. See the festival web site for more details.
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How To Apply
Applications to perform at the 2025 Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival close 31 August 2025.
An online application form can be accessed above from February 1.
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Youth Performer Enquiries: Jules Mitry - 0416 866 891‬
Email:perform@kangaroovalleyfolkfestival.com.au
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Selection Process
The KVFF Youth Performer Program is for performers aged under 18 years.
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Applications for Youth Performers close 31 August 2025 and we anticipate that performer selection will be mostly completed by the end of September. You will be notified of the success or otherwise of your application by mid September.
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The initial application is essentially an expression of interest, with sufficient information to assess the application. Those acts selected to perform at the festival will be contacted and asked to provide additional information.
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Please assist us by not leaving it to the last minute to submit your application. It helps us by spreading the workload involved in assessing applications and we may be able to give you a decision earlier as well.
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Fees/Entitlements
In appreciation of your performanceIn appreciation of your performance, we’re pleased to offer each person in your act a weekend ticket to the festival, as well as:
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For acts of just 1 person - 1 parent or guardian will receive a weekend ticket to attend and accompany them.
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For acts of 2 or more people - a limit of 2 parents or guardians will receive a weekend ticket to attend and accompany them.
While this is an unpaid opportunity, it’s a chance to be part of an incredible event and gain valuable experience!
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The Festival is a small, not-for-profit event with a limited budget, run by volunteers. You are welcome to sell your CDs and other ‘merch’ in the Festival Shop and also outside the performance venue following your show. For many performers this is the main source of revenue at the festival.
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Street performers and buskers
Street performers are welcome to apply as we love the colour and diversity they provide. Such acts who have performances suitable for young children (eg, clowns, magic acts, puppeteers, kids crafts, etc) are highly sought after for our children’s program.
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Programming
All Youth performances will take place on The Happy Nest stage, located in the main showground arena. Performance times are allocated based on the performer's application.
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Most acts will have 15 to 30 minutes of stage time due to high demand, and the committee has the final say on scheduling. Plan your set accordingly, keep transitions smooth, and stick to your time limit to ensure the event runs on schedule.
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Shared gear may be available, but always check in advance and bring your own instruments, cables, and any essentials you need. Be ready for a quick setup and teardown to keep things moving.
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Respect your fellow performers by being on time, prepared, and supportive. If you can’t make your slot, let us know ASAP. Keep it tight, have fun, and rock your set!
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Insurance
Performers accept responsibility for their own liability insurance.
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When performing, you are a Festival service provider and as such, are not covered by the Festival's public liability insurance. We suggest investigating insurance options with Folk Alliance Australia, see www.folkalliance.org.au. You need to be or become a member of Folk Alliance Australia.
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Support Material
Please note that if you are accepted to perform at the festival the biography you provide in your application MAY be used on our website, mobile app, and possibly in festival publicity, including the program.
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In your application please include web links showing images, recordings and videos. The performance should be representative of the act that you are proposing to perform at the festival.
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Good luck with your application!
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