Many visitors to a famous six-day music and cultural festival are set to stay there in style.
Camping at the 35-year-old Woodford Folk Festival has evolved, with the introduction of luxury glamping accommodation, just in time for this year’s event.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe recently opened 20 permanent luxury glamping tents at Woodfordia, near Woodford, with a $1.2m boost from State Government.
“Our investment in 20 new glamping tents with fixed ensuites and kitchens delivers the infrastructure to grow Woodfordia into a year-round, income generating visitor experience,” he said.
“By expanding into luxury camp stays for private functions and short holidays, in addition to the Folk, Planting and Small Halls festivals, Woodfordia aims to attract 17,000 new visitors to the region.
It was predicted that Woodfordia’s glamping evolution could deliver an extra $28.6 million a year for the region’s visitor economy.
“Camping is a three-decade long tradition at the Folk Festival and that’s what makes it a much-loved and unique visitor experience.
“Each glamping tent is fully furnished with room for four and opens in time for the Woodford Folk Festival’s return after a two-year COVID hiatus.
“Construction of the glamping sites supported tradies and suppliers when they needed it most and creates three new operational jobs.”
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Woodfordia Inc General Manager Amanda Jackes said the beautifully-furnished glamping tents were located in the shady camping grounds of Woodfordia around Lake Gkula and close to the General Store.
“The glamping tents will be booked for events ranging from the iconic Woodford Folk Festival to the two-week Lake Gkula Camping period in Easter 2023,” she said.
“Ultimately, these gorgeous glamping tents will be available for bookings year-round during either festivals and events, or for private functions or short-term holiday stays.
“Accommodation has always been an issue at Woodfordia with the most recent festival selling out all our 120 premium luxury bell tents along with the 250 tent city tent motels.
“These luxury glamping units will bring a new level of indulgent offering for our patrons.”
The festival will return on December 27, creating 2500 jobs for artists and art workers across 27 venues at Woodfordia, and generating up to $25 million for the region’s visitor economy.
Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery said the festival was an Australian music event icon.
“Festival goers will love the new Lake Gkula area which will be a focal point of this year’s festival,” he said.
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