Horsham to rock
Horsham will rekindle its historic love affair with Australian rock music when it hosts a marathon eight-hour outdoor concert later this year.
A Mildura promotion group, dedicated to presenting major music events in regional centres, has pencilled in December 8 for the inaugural Horsham Rockfest.
Mildura Entertainment’s David Storer said Horsham Soundshell at Sawyer Park provided the perfect environment for an event featuring popular and iconic Australian acts.
He confirmed that live-performance specialist Shannon Noll would be Horsham Rockfest’s headline act and bands that had carved a niche in the Australian rock scene – The Choirboys and Chantoozies – were also part of the artist line-up.
He said he was waiting to confirm another major act and exploring a traditional option of launching the event with a Wimmera band.
Mr Storer, also a musician and with connections to former Wimmera performers, said he had been scoping out Horsham for its potential and had attended various events.
“Country towns don’t often get an opportunity to have these types of acts in their own back yard and that’s what we’re all about,” he said.
“I’ve been doing this in Mildura for four years and for the last two in Swan Hill and Broken Hill as well.
“If we can get more than 1000 people from across the region to the show, I can see no reason why we can’t do it again. We want to rock Horsham. Our shows are all about showcasing rock music featuring iconic Australian performers and bands.
“This isn’t just a couple of casual musos getting up to perform.
“It’s big bands, big sound systems and a big light show. It’s the whole box and dice.
“These shows are loaded, simply by nature, with Aussie anthems and classics that generate enormous crowd participation.”
Mr Storer said he had been delighted to secure award-winning singer-songwriter Noll for the event.
“Apart from being the only Australian to have 10 consecutive top-10 hits, he’s such a larrikin and such a fantastic live act,” he said.
He added the addition of The Choirboys and Chantoozies guaranteed a great diversity in sets.
“People will be amazed at just how many of their songs they not only recognise but love,” he said.
Horsham Rockfest will run from 3pm to 11pm, rain or shine.
Mr Storer said he was fully aware of the history of the purpose-built Horsham Soundshell, created with considerable input from Wimmera musicians and the base for everything from Carols by Candlelight and country music shows to New Year’s Eve rock concerts.
“It’s perfect for all types of entertainment and we’re looking forward to seeing it full with a broad crosssection of patrons,” he said.
“We’ve scheduled it specifically so people can make the most of Christmas party and al fresco VIP packages we will soon announce.
“There will be all sorts of opportunities to make it a great day out. There is enough space to enjoy however you want.”
Horsham Rockfest is part of a Rockfest tour, which also includes shows in Swan Hill and Broken Hill.
During the event organisers will raffle a guitar signed by performers and donate the money to a charity.
General admission will be $79.95 for the whole day and free of charge for children under 15.
Mr Storer said people should keep an eye out for more details regarding Horsham Rockfest from June 30.
He said Horsham people could make inquiries by emailing him at david@ milduraentertainment.com or follow www.facebook.com/rockfesttour.
The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM are media sponsors of the event.