Maldon Folk Festillal 2005 Once again, the streets of Maldon came alive for the 32nd annual 'Folkie'. All the usual trimmings were on tap in the historic township: plenty of Guinness, a huge program of performers, variety of venues, picturesque location, workshops, food and wine, market day, competitions. buskers and the ever handy shuttle bus. The population swelled at Tarrangower Reserve. Despite dodgy weather on Saturday, campers were undeterred.

It all started for the locals on Thursday night when US singer Kristina Olsen and Alex Legg were among performers at a free preview show. By Friday night, the pubs, cafes and marquees were packed. The music this year was decidedly folk-orientated, but a few altematives were included in the line-up.

My personal highlight was catching two performances by South Australian alt folk group The BordererS. Their particular brand of folk comes with a twist. Their late night show in the Guinness tent was spectacular. Husband and wife Alex and Jim and band had a fair dinkum mosh pit going - complete with stage-diving! Celtic classics collided with exuberant humour, mini-kilts. call and response' routines and jaw-dropping high kicks! One minute, 'Loch Lomond', the next it was 'Ye Can'nae Shove Yer Granny aff the Bus'. At the Maldon Hotel, they had a bunch of little kid fans dancing on stage with them. Pure infectious joy!