The event has become a highlight of the folk festival circuit, with many praising the quality of both local and visiting acts as well as the picturesque setting in the countryside. 

Executive director Zena Armstrong said numbers attending the festival continued to grow, but organisers had been keeping the growth reasonable as they did not want it to become too big. 

Improvements have been made to the Cobargo Showground site this year, including expanded campgrounds.

Fifty acts will fill a diverse program of music, dance and art, including renowned performers such as Sharon Shannon, Shane Howard, Jordie Lane, Luke O'Shea and Daniel Champagne, with four CD launches held at the festival this year as well as a concert of protest songs.   

"We see it as we're creating a space for people to come with friends and family to enjoy themselves and create together, to make or enjoy music, and enjoy the day," Ms Armstrong said. 

"I think there is that sense people come together to share things, there is a vibe at festivals - folk festivals especially - where people do set aside their differences.

"We've got to create the world we want to see beyond the festival." 

For more information on the festival, click here.