Port Fairy Folk Festival has confirmed plans are underway for their annual March music event

On Monday festival president John Young confirmed planning for the annual event was in full swing.

The festival could boast a fully Australian line-up if international travel restrictions are not lifted.

"It's hard to believe that just over two months ago we were celebrating live folk music in our seaside village, he said.

"Having completed the review of this year's event, the festival organisers and committee have commenced planning.

"The success of this year's festival proved that the love for live folk music is alive and well, however with the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is difficult to predict what the future holds for the Port Fairy Folk Festival and other major events across Australia.

"It's business as usual for the committee, 2021 is on the go now."

The committee usually takes about 10 months to organise the four-day festival, held over the March long weekend.

With the issue of international travel still under strict restrictions, the festival is looking to plan for a local-flavoured event.

"This is new territory for the festival organisers and without the release of information from the government on mass gatherings and restrictions in 2021, we are working under the assumption that next year's festival will be a smaller event than previous years," Mr Young said.

"We are also planning for smaller crowds, understanding that the economic impact and health fears of COVID-19 may keep audiences at bay.

"We have to assume international travel will not have resumed or international acts won't be ready to travel across the world. We're looking at a local bill and considering New Zealand artists as well. Local artists are really looking forward to performing, they're interested in doing what they can, where they can and how they can.

"We will follow the chief health officer's advice relating to major events and gatherings and update our audiences along the way as we continue our efforts to produce the best possible Port Fairy Folk Festival on the long weekend in March 2021."

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