More than 110,000 people have so far been through the gates of one of Australia's longest-running festivals, deemed "more important than ever" this year.

Now in its 38th year, the festival at "Woodfordia" — a makeshift town that comes to life for the annual event near Woodford, north-west of Brisbane — has more than 450 artists performing across six days.

Woodford Folk Festival 2025 was filled with lots of colour and fun. (Supplied: Woodford Folk Festival)

Visitor numbers are already up about 10 per cent on last year, according to festival director Amanda Jackes.

But one familiar face is missing this year — founder Bill Hauritz, who passed away on December 8 after battling a long illness.

The 73-year-old, who was honoured at this year's festival opening, was a "pathological optimist" and left an unwavering legacy, Ms Jackes said.

"He couldn't see roadblocks. He just had incredible big ideas and dreams."

With several major festivals cancelled in recent years, Ms Jackes said the 2025 event was "more important than ever".

Amanda Jackes says we need to embrace live music and events. (ABC News: Owen Jacques)

"Woodford is a place where dreams are seeded, and the future is about making those dreams become a real opportunity," she said.

Escape after 'tough year'

Australian artist Katie Noonan said she had attended Woodfordia for 30 years, but this event was a much-needed escape for festival-goers after a "tough year".

"I've never needed Woodford more than I needed it now," Noonan said.

"It's all about belonging and community, and the world has been so broken in many ways, personally for me but also globally."

Katie Noonan has enjoyed watching new artists perform at Woodford. (ABC News: Madeline Grace)

The singer-songwriter said she had enjoyed discovering other artists at Woodfordia.

"Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone has a song to sing," she said.

"The wonderful thing about Woodford is that they are about supporting Australian independent artists."

For the younger generation