Mandorah Ukulele and Folk Festival
The picturesque Wagait Beach plays host again to the annual Mandorah Ukulele and Folk Festival – MUFF.
By Chelsea Heaney.
Performers from across the country are converging at the Cox Country Club for the fifth reincarnation of this popular event. This year’s line-up includes NT born and nationally acclaimed performer and ukulele player Benhur Helwend, four-piece group Mirrabooka from the NSW Central Coast and entertainer Ali Mills.
Local Darwin ABC identity Richard ‘Margo’ Margetson returns this year as the MC, keeping the show together with his usual quirky wit. Other acts performing over the weekend include Crank Williams, Johnny McIntyre, Tracey Bunn and Ben Evolent.
MUFF is a family friendly event, with workshops and competitions designed for everyone. There is spear, boomerang and woomera throwing workshops with Firestone Tours and a Children’s Ukulele Workshop. You can have a go at hula dancing with demonstrations, workshops and a dance-off competition. There’s also a few open mike sessions, if you are feeling so inclined, for you to have a try at performing.
You can spend the weekend and either book a room or bring a tent for free camping. Bookings are essential for the campsites, so get in touch quickly if you haven’t already. There will also be ferry services running regularly if you are just visiting just for the day.
Getting to Wagait Beach is pretty easy by sea or road, with the ferry and a shuttle bus between Mandorah Wharf and the Cox Country Club running all weekend. The festival is a free event and is a favourite with locals.
With no entry fee and complimentary camping offered (though spaces are limited), MUFF is a real value for money event that offers a wide range of activities and music.
