Gold-rush era London House (1856), once a drapery, grocery, post office and butcher, has been made available to us as a workshop venue.
London House Cottage
admin
Celestial House, Guildford
The new proprietors advise that they have availability over the Banjo Jamboree weekend…
Tara
Tara (opposite the oval) has some availability for the Jambo weekend due to a cancellation.
Please contact Kathy, the owner, directly rather than using a booking service: 0406 472 481.
Eric Delinac
Eric from Soul Built Studio is a Melbourne based banjo builder who’s main focus is on old time open back fretless banjos and mountain banjos. As a full time carpenter, he decided to have a go at building a fretless banjo for himself and a friend, from the success and joy of building that first one, he continued building more.
Guildford CFA
Offering breakfast/brunch at the Fire Shed on Sunday, 7:30am – 1pm approximately.
Guildford Post Office and Cafe
Coffee and food
Hours:
Friday and Saturday 8am till 8pm
and if busy will stay open later.
Sunday hours to be confirmed.
The Stables
(Behind the shop)
Offering wines, beers and cocktails, plus wood-fired pizza.
Indoor and outdoor area.
Pizza will be on from 12pm on Friday and Saturday – meals finish at 9pm – will be open later than 9pm for drinks.
Korean Fried Chicken
Offering a variety of Korean food, hot chips and coffee.
Friday 5pm -9pm
Saturday 10am -9pm
Sunday 10am-1pm
German Sausages
Das ist die beste Wurst! Deutsche Wurst!
Offering die beste German Sausage, Hot dogs, as well as Gluten Free, Kids & Vegetarian options.
Friday 5pm -9pm
Saturday 10am -9pm
Sunday 10am-1pm
Kapital Coffee
Offering coffee and a variety of drinks.
Friday 5pm -9pm
Saturday 10am -9pm
Sunday 10am-1pm
David Moloney
David Moloney is a guitar maker based in Castlemaine, Victoria. He built his first acoustic guitar in 2019 and he now combines traditional methods with modern techniques, creating instruments with great tonal clarity.
David creates bespoke acoustic and electric guitars, ukuleles and other instruments.
Nara Demasson
https://www.instagram.com/demasson.instruments
Nara Demasson is an instrument maker based in Newbury, Victoria, designing and building banjos, guitars, and other musical objects.
Ray Black
In 1980, Ray started on his instrument making journey.
As a tradesman cabinetmaker, Ray had developed skills which would transfer to making mandolins. With advice from legendary banjo maker Pat Doole, Ray soon completed a couple of mandolins. Octave mandolins and Irish bouzoukis were in demand, so were added to his range of instruments, before his rising interest in Bluegrass music led him into making mandolins with a carved top and back.
Around 1995 Pat invited Ray to make banjos with him. The banjos used hardware made in Pat’s workshop which added metalworking experience into Ray’s skill base. This arrangement continued until Pat’s retirement.
Currently Ray builds mainly open back banjos which feature hardware made in his own workshop, and still has time to make the carved top mandolins which are his true love.
Scruggs / Melodic Banjo
Jim Golding
10:45 – 11:45 Saturday, London House Cottage
The legendary Jim Golding, renowned banjo meister from Coolgrass, pushes boundaries with bebop, rock’n roll, bossa, and Mozart-inspired banjo styles, while delivering stellar bluegrass breaks.
A sought-after workshop presenter, Jim has appeared as a performer and workshop presenter at festivals nationwide.
Expect the unexpected at Jim’s banjo workshop on Saturday morning, where he will share his vast knowledge, experience and wit.
Also catch him performing with The Bluegrass Remnants at the Saturday night concert.
The Banjo Curiosity Shop Continues…
Chris Ryan
11:00 – 12:00 Saturday, Cricket Pavilion
A stringed instrument enthusiast and one of the founders of the Jamboree, Chris this year will be showing and playing comparisons between various banjo forms and other stringed instruments, as well as demonstrating some frailing and finger-picking techniques on the 5-string banjo.
Compare the banjo mandolin and the mandolin, the banjo ukulele and the ukulele, the 6-string banjo and the guitar, the tenor (4-string) banjo and the mandolin, the Shamisen (Japanese 3-stringed “banjo”) and the dulcimer.
Tunes will include “Skip to my Lou” in C and “When the Saints” in G. Listen, view, try or bring your own.
The workshop will also cover the Parade Song On the Road Again.
Parade is at 12:00
Old Time Clawhammer banjo
Ian Alexander
9:30 – 10:30 Saturday, Château de Banjo
Ian has a long history in old-timey music in Australia and the US. (Ian is a bit modest about his achievements [Ed.]).
Ian was head honcho of Appalachian Heaven string band for 12 years, and the band are reuniting at this festival for their 20th anniversary gig.
Ian travelled to USA for various festivals 20 years in a row and has played with many of the contemporary and older generation players. He came third in Senior Banjo at the Clifftop Stringband Festival, West Virginia, competing against and befriending the very best. Ian featured as the banjo player for the Galax Bogtrotters for their Australian tour.
“The workshop will be at the intermediate level. Participants should bring a banjo, a capo, and a tuner.
I will be teaching a tune and using the tune to show various techniques, and perhaps diverge from there with questions.
Tune your banjo in standard banjo G tuning initially.”
Online materials will be be available on Dropbox.
Irish Session
Anthony McTigue
Anthony McTigue grew up in County Clare, Ireland, where his love of traditional Irish music began after attending a Wolfe Tones concert with his father at age eight.
He took up the Irish tenor banjo at 15 and learned from musicians including Paddy Commane and Frank Custy.
Since moving to Australia in 2012, he has become a regular at Irish sessions and folk festivals across Victoria.
Irish Tenor Banjo; Guitar Backing – How to Support Your Banjo Player
Tony O’Rourke – two workshops
Tony O’Rourke plays traditional Irish music on tenor banjo (GDAE) and has published a number of tune books of Irish music. He has conducted workshops both in Australia and Ireland and is often seen at one of the many impromptu music sessions at the Jamboree. He will be hosting two workshops – not to be missed!
All participants at workshops will receive a booklet and CD of the music to be studied at the workshop. (Very generous, Tony [Ed.])
Irish Tenor Banjo
10:45 – 12:15 Saturday, Château de Banjo
In this workshop the tunes we’ll be looking at are the reel Music In The Glen, a jig called The Stonemason composed by one of my favourite banjo players, Kevin Griffin, a slip jig, Drops Of Brandy, a polka from Co. Cork, The Cuil Aodh, and a hornpipe composed by piano accordionist Pat Crowley with the very Irish sounding name the Harp and The Shamrock, apparently the name of a pub owned by Crowley’s parents in Kinsale.
Guitar Backing – How to Support your Banjo Player
1:30 – 2:30 Saturday, Château de Banjo
For this workshop I’ve selected for study two reels, one an Irish tune, Sally Gardens, and the other an American Old Timey/Bluegrass tune, Bill Cheatham. These are two common tunes in their respective genres. For the jig I’ve chosen one of my all time favourites, a tune titled A Thousand Farewells. This tune was composed by Tipperary fiddler Seán Ryan(1919-1985). The much maligned John Ryan’s is my choice for a polka. This is often referred to in Australia as Forty Pound Float. For this tune I’ve removed the irritating double thump at the beginning of the tune and treated it just as I would for any other Kerry polka. For the waltz I’ll be using a tune composed by Jay Ungar called Ashokan Farewell, composed around 1982. I’ve created separate pages for the backing and the melody for those of you wishing to study both.
Women and Appalachian Old-Time Music
Suzanne Diprose
9:30 – 10:30 Saturday, Public Hall
Step into the rich storytelling tradition of women and Appalachian Old-Time music with Suzanne Diprose of Oh Suzannah.
Through four powerful songs Suzanne explores the lives, struggles, resilience, and voices of Appalachian women whose stories have been carried through generations of song. Discover the fascinating histories behind the music — from textile workers and mountain communities to pioneering songwriters Hedy West, Ola Belle Reed and Hazel Dickens.
The workshop features live performance, historical storytelling, the stories behind the songs and celebration of women’s voices in Old-Time music.
It will be an inspiring journey through the songs that preserved the experiences of ordinary women and shaped the traditions we continue to enjoy today. All welcome — no musical experience required.
Three Finger Style Banjo
Peter Somerville
9:30 – 10:30 Saturday, London House Cottage
(Peter is another workshop presenter who is far too modest for his own good! [Ed.])
Three finger style for old time tunes is often overlooked but it sounds great!
Peter will be teaching a couple of easy tunes by ear, basic melody and embellishment options.
Good for beginners and more advanced.
Endangered Species
Endangered Species don’t get together that often these days. We are good friends who have played a lot of music together over the years so whenever we get the chance to find our way back to this warm and cozy ensemble we jump at it.
Banjo, harmonica, guitar, bass and vocals celebrate a diverse repertoire from blues to bluegrass and back again.
Banjo Joe
One banjo is fun, 3 banjos are fantastic and four times the fun.
Throw in the occasional harp and other assorted steely instruments and there you have Banjo Joe.
Emmy Ryan
Emmy Ryan’s songs carry truth like a heartbeat — stories of love, loss, and the land that holds us.
Emmy sings with fierce tenderness about what it means to find home, face history, and stay open-hearted in hard times.
With songs that have earnt recognition in the International Songwriting Competition, the Northern Territory Music Awards, the Listen Up Music Songwriting Competition, plus the Australian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Songwriting Prize, Emmy invites you in — not just to listen, but to feel.
The Runaway Strings
The Runaway Strings are an Ararat based trio formed from a chance encounter on Halloween, 2023.
They play a raucous mix of country, folk and blues, with lush harmonies and plenty of 5 string, tenor and ukulele banjo.
Their debut album “Blackwood” was released in June this year and was described as “stunning” in a review by AAA Backstage. Make sure you don’t miss these guys!
Backyard Utopia
A chance convergence of eclectically diverse musical backgrounds and notoriety equally curious, Bec Matthews and Jamie Swann met and formed Backyard Utopia in 2023.
Bec and Jamie’s music draws connections between the ancient west African instruments Kora and Kamelngoni and their modern counterparts banjo and bass, in ways both new and old, soulful and giddy. Infusing modern influences with ancient strings and skilfully crafted verse, they transport audiences to far flung corners of the globe and back again, generating an aural alchemy that is equal parts intriguing, contemplative and meditative.
Backyard Utopia present a varied and engaging repertoire of globally inspired folk music. Traditional songs, upbeat ballads and hypnotic instrumental interludes – these tuneful raconteurs deliver an refreshing and uplifting show with the occasional surprise.
Recent Shows:Castlemaine Fringe, Cresfest, Bar Open, Guildford Banjo. Jamboree, Kilderkin, Upendo Foundation Fundraiser, The Main Bar Ballarat Trades Hall, Leadbeater Hotel.
Awards: City of Ballarat Be Hear Now Music Development Program, 2026
Alluvium
An Old Time guitar and autoharp player, an Irish fiddler and a Bluegrass banjo player walked into a Central Victorian bar… and Alluvium was born!
Graeme Fletcher (guitar, autoharp, vocals), Amy Cecil (fiddle, vocals) and Mick Harrison (banjo) draw together musical threads from a patchwork of Old Time, Bluegrass and Irish tunes, embroidered with original songs bearing an Old Time and Country Folk feel. Alluvium brings something for everyone!
The Bluegrass Remnants
The Bluegrass Remnants bring tradition to life with a timeless blend of hard-driving rhythm, rich harmonies, and spirited picking.
Featuring Jim Golding on banjo, Heath Joyce on mandolin, Andrea Calwell on bass, and Chris Leidy on guitar, this four-piece outfit plays traditional bluegrass with heart and grit – seasoned with the occasional “jazzgrass” twist.
Whether it’s a well-loved standard or a playful reimagining, The Bluegrass Remnants deliver an engaging, toe-tapping sound that honours the roots while exploring fresh territory.
Oh Suzannah
Oh Suzannah is a vibrant Australian folk and bluegrass act delivering high-energy performances with rich harmonies, driving banjo, fiddle, guitar and bass.
Blending traditional favourites with contemporary acoustic arrangements the band creates an engaging and entertaining experience. Oh Suzannah brings authenticity, warmth and fun to every performance. Their original songs shine a light on women’s stories, both from pioneering days and in more recent times.
Band without Borders
Band Without Borders is a polished outfit, drawn together by a love for the music from the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Balkans and more.
With relentless passion and enthusiasm they fill any room with energetic rhythms that make you want to dance.
Appealing to all ages, their music is timeless, accessible and contagious.
Lily and Tom
Hailing from Sydney and London, Lily and Tom began playing together in Sydney’s Old Time music scene before making the move to Melbourne in early 2026.
Their music is characterised by a deep appreciation and love of traditional folk and Old Time, coupled with an ambition to take these genres into new territory through their sensitive interpretations and atmospheric instrumentation.
The Open Back Banjo Gathering (The Open Backs)
A gathering of local open back banjo players presents an entertaining set of music showcasing various playing styles.
Jonathan Ashley (Coordinator)
Dave Gittus
Trevor Phillips
Richard MacEwen
Gerry McDonald
Ian White
Jan Wositzky
Family Farm Band
Family Farm Band is a much-loved Americana and roots music group based in Daylesford, Victoria.
Formed 21 years ago by Stacy Kilpatrick and Steve Douglas, they have since performed thousands of shows across Australia and Japan.
Their sound blends alt-country, bluegrass, southern soul, folk, and New Orleans-inspired grooves, delivered with 4-part vocal harmonies, spirited musicianship, and audience engagement.
Family Farm always presents an exciting experience filled with storytelling and foot-stomping music.
Saltgrass String Band
Saltgrass String Band make music from the edges rooted on Dja Dja Wurrung Djandak Country surrounding Castlemaine in central Victoria.
The band draws from old-time, bluegrass, and the restless currents of newgrass to build a sound that reflects their unique journeys through music. Mostly instrumental, their compositions are less interested in genre as destination than in the charged space where traditions confluence.
Hillbilly Radio
Dave Diprose & Hillbilly Radio perform original material deeply rooted in bluegrass, folk, & the Texas songwriters.
Sometimes described as Steve Earle meets Flatt & Scruggs, Dave’s songs bring a sense of place, exploring rural Australian themes and bygone days.
Hillbilly Radio also features Mark Pottenger on Mandolin and vocals, Andrew Barcham on bass (both former Nine Mile Creek alumni), and Peter Somerville (Uncle Bill, Rank Strangers, Burning Bridges) on banjo & vocals.
The Loudshirts
Based in Central Victoria, The Loud Shirts are a group of acoustic musicians whose roots are based in Bluegrass and Folk traditions.
Their lively tunes and harmonies embrace a repertoire ranging from traditional songs to acoustic covers of rock classics.
Beyond the Sea
Beyond the Sea play a joyful blend of bluegrass, folk and country songs, featuring rich delicate melodies and weaving harmonies.
At the heart of the band are Belinda Gibson on Uke and vocals, Michelle Lewis on guitar and vocals, Andrew Barcham on double bass and banjo and Mark Pottenger on mandolin. They are thrilled to be joined by Mark Wardle on banjo and Amy Cecil on fiddle and vocals for the Guildford Banjo Jamboree.
An infectious toe tapping set not to be missed!
Free camping nearby outside Guildford
- Mount Franklin (Dja Dja Wurrung – Lalgambook) Crater (Larni Barramal – ‘the emu’s nest’)
- Vaughan Springs
- Chokem Flat
- Warburtons Bridge
Guildford Saddle Club
Giddy up!
A special thanks goes out to the Guildford Saddle Club for permitting us to use their space for vehicle access camping. Camping at the Saddle Club is not ticketed.
This is a beautiful site located not far from the heart of the Jambo. There are simple facilities including toilets and a basic kitchen.
Big Tree Park
The Big Tree needs help and protection – no camping this year.
River Reserve
The River Reserve offers a more peaceful camping option by the Loddon River – see Guildford map for location. Especially suitable for larger caravans and liked by patrons who prefer to ‘get away from it all’. Campers are welcome to use the toilet and shower facilities at the John Powell Reserve. Please note fires are not permitted at the reserve.
** NB – There are no ‘facilities’, the Banjo Jamboree does not manage this free camp site, please leave no trace, even if you are ‘taken short’!
Yapeen – whole Cabin
The Old Goldfields Pub (Airbnb link)
This original stone hotel dates back to the 1860s; it’s only lightly renovated but very liveable, full of character and charm, with vintage crockery, a wood heater and a fenced 1/2 acre yard. In a peaceful area, it’s a perfect getaway from the rat race. Dogs OK with permission.
Your host: Jenny.
The Big Tree
The Big Tree is a large, well-preserved River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), located at the corner of Fryers Street and Ballarat Street. It is thought to be one of the largest in Victoria, with a height of 34 metres and circumference of 9.35 metres at the base. The tree is estimated to be between 500 and 1000 years old. If only it could speak, what stories it could tell!
The Big Tree is listed as a tree of State significance on the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees of Victoria for its “outstanding size, curious fusion of branches, as an outstanding example of the species and as an important landmark.”
The National Trust regards its conservation as vital to the local community and the state as a whole. Already an ancient giant when the first white settlers arrived in the 1840s, the Big Tree has played an important part in the cultural and social life of the Guildford community. This wonderful tree survives as an important symbol and a link between our community and its traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
Guildford CFA
The local heroes!
Fire fighting and sausage sizzling.
If there are no fires, at least no big ones, you’ll get breakfast!
Tucker on Sunday morning.
Guildford Family Hotel
Unfortunately, The Guildford Pub is closed and is expected to still be closed by the time of the festival. It is for sale, freehold.
Thus, unless there is a rapid change in circumstances, we will not have access to the pub, or the music hall, which is part of the pub premises. For this reason we are mounting a large marquee on the oval as an alternative venue, which we have dubbed the ‘Château de Banjo’.
Sold! Welcome, the new owners! Watch this space! The pub will not be ready for reopening in time for the Banjo Jamboree.
Guildford Stables
The Stables (behind the shop) operates as a wine bar and restaurant, offering wines, beers and cocktails, plus wood-fired pizza. It features indoor and outdoor areas. Enjoy a meal, a snack, a cup of coffee, or just sit outside and participate in one of the sessions which are sure to be happening most of the daylight and evening hours.
Public Hall
The Public Hall offers the ideal venue for concerts, workshops and the Jamboree Dance. The hall is the Jamboree centre for the weekend, housing information, reception, ticket and merchandise sales.
The Oval – The John Powell Reserve
EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear Banjo Jamboree Patrons, due to the unexpected rain, the situation has changed for camping. NO VEHICLES WILL BE PERMITTED ON THE OVAL RESERVE. Tents and gazebos are allowed. All caravans and other camping vehicles can camp at the Guildford Saddle Club or Riverside Reserve. We are sorry for this inconvenience. If you have bought a camping ticket for the oval and can no longer use it, you can apply for a refund. Please use the Contact Host link in your confirmation email to request a refund, or alternatively, make yourself known to reception upon arrival and we will organise it for you.
Camping on the John Powell Reserve is now fully subscribed.
The Banjo Jamboree is fortunate to have the use of the John Powell Reserve as a camping ground during the Jamboree weekend. Sessions around campfires go from morning to night, making for a wonderful atmosphere.
Camping on the John Powell Reserve (the oval) is for weekend ticket holders only – sites can be bought upon arrival, if there are any left. We do recommend you book your camping ticket when you book your weekend ticket, or you may end up camping (free) at Larni Barramal (Dja Dja Wurrung – ‘the emu’s nest’, aka the Mt. Franklin Crater), or the River Reserve or the Saddle Club. Camping sites on the oval are per site $35.
Campers may set up from 10am Friday. Camps on the oval must be vacated by 4pm Sunday.
Campers who wish to stay Sunday night should consider the River Reserve – there are no facilities, but it is free camping as you please. There is also the Guildford Saddle Club, also free, where there are simple facilities including toilets and a basic kitchen.
Facilities
Toilets and showers at the amenities block (with disabled access).
Portaloos in various locations.
NB: There are no powered sites.
Fires
Fires will be strictly controlled to comply with CFA and council requirements. Fires must be contained in a brazier and off the ground so as not to harm the grass.
Campers who bring their own braziers or fire drums must agree to them being inspected by CFA volunteers and bring their own supplies of untreated and unpainted firewood or fuel. Cement sheets need to be used under all fire drums. They will be available from the JPR entrance gate. Please return the sheets to the gate upon exiting the festival.
It is illegal to gather wood from the River Reserve.
Dogs
Please note that while dogs are allowed at campsites, they must remain on a lead at all times in the company of their owners. Dogs are not permitted inside venues.