FESTIVAL HAS COAST ROCKING
THERE may not have been any waves at Bells Beach for the world’s best surfers but that didn’t stop thousands of fans from descending on Torquay for the Rip Curl Pro’s affiliated music event, The Drop Festival.
Australian music superstars Angus and Julia Stone headlined a series of performances in front of a sea of adoring fans at Torquay Common on Saturday night.
The brother-and-sister duo, who are best known for their 2010 single Big Jet Plane, took to the stage about 9pm.
Earlier in the day, homegrown Geelong artist Chitra kicked off the proceedings before a performance from Alex the Astronaut.
Indie rock band The Jungle Giants also took to the stage, followed by Australian surf rock band Hockey Dad and electric-dance act Client Liaison.
The Drop Festival is now in its second year and features a series of shows around Australia to coincide with World Surf Ch Championship Tour ev events.
Large crowds have flocked to the Rip Curl Pro in recent days, de despite a slow start to th the competition.
Poor surfing conditions have forced organisers to call a series of lay days.
So far, the only actio tion came on Thursday when nine opening-round heats were compl pleted in the men’s co competition.
Despite the lack of swell, event-goers have kept themselves busy lapping up the sunshine and enjoying local entertainment.
Some of the pro surfers, including Owen Wright, made the most of the lay day on Saturday by taking part in a paddle-out protest at Torquay’s Cosy Corner.
Surfrider’s Paddle Out for the Bight drew hundreds of locals and surfers concerned about the imp pact of drilling on the famous Great Australian Bight. They were protesting Norwegian energy company Equinor’s plans to drill for oil in a protected marine park off S South Australia.