“We had expressions of interest from international artists and performers right across Australia, from Western Australia and Victoria, throughout NSW, as well as across our own backyard here in the Hunter,” Ms O’Brien said.

The music styles are as varied as the age range from world jazz through to folk rock and everything in-between with performers as young as 14 applying.

The festival – now in its fourth year - has established a high standard for quality performance and a broad range of festival activities.

This year there will be a blend of new and familiar faces, plus some exciting new initiatives including: Folk in Broke Community Concerts; Busking Competition; inaugural Hunter Bush Slam; and the Hands Up Art project.

There are a number of new hands-on workshops and storytelling sessions, plus the usual blackboards, jams, and sessions available for the hobby musicians.

The final performer lineup for 2010 is:

Paul Robert Burton; Fig; Jug Busters; Maureen O’Brien; Michael Azzopardi; Wheeze & Suck Band; Ann Ridgeway Duo; Mark Salter; Beeswing; Springtide; Carol Heuchan/Poet; Clark Gormley; Arch Bishop; Black Crow Walking; Takadami; Buck and Deanne; Nerds & Music; Hussy Hicks; Coolfin Mac; Lounge Lizards; Tom Richardson ; Waltzing Jack; Sydney Ceilli Irish Dance troupe; Walters&Spira; Russ Redford/Chris Cady Duo; Sambafrog / Brazilian percussion + dance troupe; Shameela Middle Eastern dance troupe; The Tea Ladies; That’s That; UltraVioletta; Nissa; Ian Williams; Ruby for Lucy; Tom Stone and the Soldiers of Fortune.

Folk in Broke is held at Nightingale Wines from November 5, 6 and 7.