FESTIVAL-GOERS will laze and graze beneath the rustling red gums tomorrow when the Black Sorrows headline one of the district’s largest music festivals on the banks of the Murray River at Barham.
Formed by mainstay Joe Camilleri on lead vocals, saxophone and lead guitar as a loose pick-up band in Melbourne in 1983, the legendary Australian blues rock band will transform Riverside Park into party central from 10am to 6pm.
Based on similar festivals at Bright, Portarlington and Melbourne, the event aims to showcase local producers in a relaxed setting whilst enjoying local talent.
There will be plenty of other attractions on offer during the day, including cooking demonstrations (12.15pm, 1.30pm and 2.45pm) children’s amusements, roving circus acts, face painting, jumping castle and family activities.
Fitzroy’s Brunswick Street electric blues band, Sammy Owen Blues Band, contemporary retro roots and blues duo, Lilly and the Drum and solo singer, Will Brown will also sound out the border town throughout the afternoon.
The Black Sorrows will perform from 4.30pm to 5.45pm.
Up to 30 stalls will feature some of Victoria and New South Wale’s best regional fare, artisan delicacies and ready-to-eat delights.
Organiser, Jasmine Comello so the committee is excited about tomorrow’s first ever Harvest and Graze Festival at Barham.
“The artists will visit the merchandise tent after their performance for an informal meet and greet with fans, so please head over and say hello,” Ms Comello said.
Event organiser, Greg Nicholas said the liquor licence doesn’t permit BYO alcohol, but patrons can purchase from stallholders.
“It is a condition of entry that bags and eskys are checked at the venue entrance. We do this with patron safety in mine and ask for your understanding,” he said.
“Wakool Shire Council is directly working with our committee in a variety of ways for the event. Road closure barricades will be erected in the Murray and Mellool Streets intersection and Riverside Court and Noorong Street intersection on Saturday morning, with event fencing going up this afternoon around Riverside Park.”
Free patron parking will be available at the Barham Recreation Reserve, with free courtesy bus services to transport patrons from the car park to the festival.
Pre-paid tickets – costing $35 for adults, $20 for 13 to 17 year olds and free admission for children under the age of 12 – are still available through Ticketmaster and locally at My World Travel at Barham.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $45 for adults and $30 for 13 to 17 year olds.
Gates open at 10am, with music beginning at 11am.
