Music fest a big hit
A RECORD crowd has rocked out seaside at the annual Anglesea Music Festival.
Many accommodation providers were booked out as more than 5000 people flocked to the Surf Coast’s three-day live music event.
Ross Wilson was a crowd favourite, with festival- goers packing the main marquee as the f ormer Daddy Cool frontman closed the weekend’s festivities.
There were cheers for the lesser-known acts, too, and l ocal kids soaked up their time in the spotlight busking on the roadside despite the rain on Saturday.
Nikoli Nikolaeff, who travelled from Melbourne with 20 friends, said he was amazed by the local talent.
‘‘These kinds of events and this kind of atmosphere really helps breed talent and I think some of these kids busking are going to be the stars of the stage in future,’’ the 30-year-old said.
Looking around at the crowd watching his friend’s band Canos play at the Anglesea pub, Mr Nikolaeff said the festival had a ‘‘happy, party vibe’’ perfect for all ages.
‘‘We’ve got lots of girls in our group and they’ve made lists of everyone they want to see – we’re going to be having a boogie,’’ he said.
Festival organiser Karren Stoneham said this year’s event had been the best yet.
‘ ‘ The r a i n hasn’t dampened our spirits,’’ Ms Stoneham said.
‘‘Everyone is having a good time, enjoying themselves and making new friends — it’s like one big, happy family.
‘‘ We’re definitely up on numbers this year and that is a credit to all t h e awesome p e r - formers we have got.’’