Fresh format for Grampians festival
An annual music festival backdropped by a 360-degree view of the iconic Grampians National Park will return early next year with a new and improved format.
Organisers of a fourth Grampians Music Festival have announced the Halls Gap event’s 2020 dates – February 28 and 29.
The ‘boutique music event’, known for its community atmosphere and powerful line-ups, has undergone changes since welcoming a crowd of 1000 festival-goers this year.
Most notably, a new partnership with Halls Gap Caravan Park and the reshaping of the previous three-day program into two days.
Festival director Carly Flecknoe said organisers were always looking to improve and reinvigorate the festival to prevent it from becoming stagnant.
She said removing the Sunday program was a ‘perfect example’.
“You always learn from each festival and the feedback from patrons, and we’re always taking notice of what works and what doesn’t,” she said.
“Dumping the Sunday is a perfect example of that, because a lot of people needed to head back home on that day, they couldn’t be there into the evening.
“So, instead of people missing out on music, we’ve moved our line-up to be on just the Friday and Saturday.
“It’s better for people to access music over the two days.” Ms Flecknoe said even with a changed format, the keenest of festival goers could still ‘wind out the weekend’ with returning Emerging Artist Stages in Halls Gap on the Sunday, as well as a familyfriendly pool party at Halls Gap Pool.
She said organisers aimed to continue the festival’s inclusive and familyfocused atmosphere.
“The biggest feedback we get is always around the atmosphere and the family vibe, which is really great to hear that people feel they can bring their children along,” she said.
“It’s not just an adults’ event or a children’s event, but something for the whole family.
“It will be interesting to see what the growth is like this year. We’ve capped it at 1500, so there’s a chance to sell out tickets, which is really exciting.
“But we still want to stick to the atmosphere we’ve been creating.”
Ms Flecknoe also announced a fresh partnership with Halls Gap Caravan Park for 2020 festivities, offering punters a safe and close option to stay ‘near the action’.
“It’s amazing because it is literally three minutes’ walk away, and has that added benefit of extra facilities like toilets and showers,” she said.
The festival is also known to champion regional produce and beverages, and Ms Flecknoe said a ‘mix of food’ would be on the menu, including Turkish, Lebanese and Mexican.
While the line-up is yet to be unveiled, she said audiences could expect about 20 ‘phenomenal’ bands and artists to hit the stage next summer.
“The full line-up will be announced in November, and full-price tickets will go on sale then too,” she said.
“It feels surreal. It seems only yesterday we were planning the first festival and now we’re on to the fourth.”
People can buy earlybird tickets online at www. grampiansmusicfestival.com.