Rockers flock to city for weekend of dancing

Organisers of a Horsham Rockers Rock ’n’ Roll Club three-day dance weekend have hailed the annual event a ‘huge success’ after record numbers flocked to the city.

Club president Wayne Lang said more than 200 people travelled to Horsham for a weekend of dancing from November 1 to 3.

Festivities kicked off on the Friday night with a dance at Horsham Town Hall, with more than 180 people in attendance.

Rock ’n’ roll enthusiasts then headed to Horsham Plaza on Saturday morning before another night of dancing at the town hall, this time with more than 215 people packing the venue.

Music on both nights was provided by Melbourne band the Fender Benders, with interstitial DJ sets.

The weekend concluded with a Sunday morning barbecue at Horsham Angling Club before lunch and more dancing at Horsham RSL, with a sold-out music and dancing session featuring the Fender Benders’ James Booker.

Mr Lang said the event, which has been running for more than 20 years, continued to resonate with people across the Wimmera region and beyond.

“I think people like dancing to rock ’n’ roll tunes because it is energy-driven,” he said.

“Rock ’n’ roll is good for your mindset, it gets you moving. I think it continues to resonate with people because those tunes from the 1950s and ’60s are timeless.”

Mr Lang thanked the club’s volunteers for helping to make the weekend a success.

“An amazing effort from the club’s enthusiastic members made this weekend possible,” he said.

“Without people like Noel Brown, who was the co-ordinator of the event, we just would not have had the same weekend.”

Mr Lang said next year’s event was already shaping up to be bigger and better, with many attendees booking their tickets a year in advance.