Full weekend of rock ‘n’ roll
Rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts from across Victoria and interstate are set to make an annual pilgrimage to Ararat for a celebration of all things ’50s and ’60s.
The 23rd Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival will feature a long weekend of live music, rock ‘n’ roll dancing, classic cars and other ‘hotted up’ vehicles.
This year’s festival has undergone a major change, with all festivities to occur at Alexandra Oval.
The festival traditionally makes the most of Ararat’s main street along with Ararat Town Hall, before moving to the oval on the Sunday.
Festival director Sandra Walker said the entire festival would be run at the oval this year while the town hall was undergoing a $6-million redevelopment to create an arts precinct.
“It will be interesting to see how this year’s festival is received by patrons,” she said.
“We’ve got a jam-packed program, with most activities in one location.
“Preparations are going really well – it’s all organised at this stage.”
This year’s festival runs from March 16 to 29. The festival will be officially launched at an invitation-only ceremony on the Thursday night, with most festival-goers to arrive on the Friday.
Friday night will feature a ‘meet and greet’ dance at the oval featuring the Atomic Hightones.
Saturday’s traditional Giant Highway 8 festival will return, celebrating all things on wheels.
Cars, hot rods, bikes and more from the ’50s and ’60s will be on display and several bands will play throughout the afternoon. There will also be a car cruise on a mystery route at 2pm.
Mrs Walker said Saturday night’s ‘Dancing on the Green’ would be a highlight.
“The dance will be in a big marquee on the oval,” she said.
J Ward will also feature a Cell Block Rock event featuring Robyn and the Rancheros from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.
Mrs Walker said tickets for Saturday night’s Wheels Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance in Alexandra Hall were almost sold out.
The Fender Benders will entertain patrons in the hall.
New event
A new event this year is a Saturday night ‘sock hop’ at Ararat Bowls Club, showcasing the talents of The Two of Us.
On Sunday, crowds will gather at Alexandra Oval for a Rock Extravaganza.
“It’s going to be a great day, with lots of live music, children’s activities, food, drinks and stall holders,” Mrs Walker said.
There will also be a show ‘n’ shine and fashion parade.
Mrs Walker said she looked forward to welcoming new and return visitors to the festival.
“We generally get more than 1000 people each year,” she said.
“We’ve got a new person coming from Brisbane this year, bringing their car down. We’ve also got people coming from Melbourne and Adelaide and everywhere in between.
“The festival is great for Ararat businesses. The accommodation providers are all filled and most of the eateries are busy.”
Mrs Walker said she hoped to expand the festival in 2018.
“I’d like to use J Ward more and have a band there in the afternoon, along with market stalls around J Ward like we used to,” she said.
“I’d also like to involve Alexandra Gardens, including the market there, and perhaps even the revamped skate park.”
Tickets for the 2017 Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival are now on sale and can be purchased for single events or as packages.
People can visit jailhouserockfestival.com.au for more information or to book.