Among the overseas artists is award-winning singer-songwriter and one of Britain’s most exciting folk talents, Blair Dunlop, who last performed at the Katoomba festival in 2014.

Also from the UK, with five albums of beautifully textured songs and a coveted Radio 2 folk award for best duo between them, are newcomers Josienne Clark and Ben Walker. Other artists will include Irish singer-songwriter  SON (Susan O’Neil), Canadian showman and ace fiddle player Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, and two New Zealand acts in award winning indie-folk singer Mel Parsons and the lively Frank Burkitt Band.

Three more new inclusions are Melbourne acts Lamine Sonko (via Senegal) and The African Intelligence, a 10-piece ensemble delivering a rhythmic collision of African roots music, jazz, funk and reggae; The Malcura Trio with their energetic brand of flamenco and Latin fusion; and the caustic wit of singer songwriter Alana Wilkinson.

Back by popular demand are Western Australia’s Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse , Jessie Lloyd and her Mission Songs Project, and festival favourites Hat Fitz and Cara from country Queensland.

Acts already announced include headliners Missy Higgins and Kate Miller-Heidke plus Lior and Paul Grabowsky, The Grigoryan Brothers and Adam Page, Archie Roach, Backsliders, Harry Manx, Steve Poltz, While and Matthews, Breabach, Peter Rowan Band, Nashville’s 10 String Symphony, Flats and Sharps and Brothers Comatose.

The 2018 festival will be held from March 16-18. Early Bird tickets are only available until December 15 at www.bmff.org.au.