Forest Creek Fest

After a near sell-out first event, Forest Creek Fest returns in 2026 with a matinee gathering of some of Victoria’s most exciting established and emerging singer-songwriters, sharing songs and stories at the historic Theatre Royal, Castlemaine. Presented by local indie label & artist collective Forest Creek Records, this annual series is designed to celebrate and elevate the unique voices shaping our folk and indie scenes.

Headlining this year's festival is one of Australia’s most treasured singer-songwriters, Lior, performing with local community choir, Forest Creek Folk. Together they’ll be presenting original arrangements of songs from Lior’s ARIA award-winning debut album, Autumn Flow, celebrating its 20 year anniversary in 2026.

Rounding out the bill will be solo sets from songwriting veteran Ainslie Wills and Melbourne-based favourite Merpire, alongside an emerging artist showcase featuring Rupert Bullard, Fernie Nicoll, Blue Ren and Imogen Pemberton. There’ll also be special guest performances from Sean Riley and Hana Stretton.

Expect a dynamic, heartfelt celebration of songwriting, community, and creativity - for folk lovers, lyric heads, and anyone who enjoys hearing songs in their most human form.

This year’s event will include a dedicated kids' ‘Tiny Design Station’, a mini hub for drawing and coloring in, sponsored by Forest Creek Tinies.

We’ll also be holding a raffle fundraiser in support of Castlemaine Community House, who are currently providing vital relief for those impacted by the recent fires in our community.

Date: Sun 22nd March 2026

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Tickets: Available 9am, Friday 30th Jan via Oztix. Children welcome with a parent/guardian.

Proudly Supported by Forest Creek Tinies, Main Fm and Boomtown Wines.

Forest Creek Records is an independent artist collective, production house, and creative sanctuary, nestled in the Castlemaine Diggings National Park. Founded by producer and mentor James McGuffie, it serves as a community-driven hub focused on the holistic development of singer-songwriters. More than a label, it is an ecosystem for honest music, rooted in connection and craft, exemplified by initiatives like the Forest Creek Folk Choir and the annual Forest Creek Fest.

www.forestcreekrecords.com

Special Guests:
with Lior, Forest Creek Folk, Ainslie Wills, Merpire, Rupert Bullard, Fernie Nicoll, Blue Ren, Imogen Pemberton, Sean Riley and Hana Stretton.