Pyromusical for festival return

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display with a difference looms as a major highlight of a newlook Horsham Kannamaroo Festival.

A MIXX FM Pyromusical Fireworks Spectacular from a festival base at Horsham Showground on November 27 will provide a sound and light show with a difference for people at, or wishing they were at, the event.

The pyromusical event will feature fireworks synchronised to music that people will be able to tune in to via radio station MIXX FM.

ACE Radio Horsham content director Adam Roche said being able to simulcast the musical part of the spectacular as part of an annual tradition was an exciting development.

“We encourage everyone who can to attend Kannamaroo to see the fireworks display, however, simulcasting the event on air and cranking up their radios will allow them to get a great experience across Horsham district,” he said.

“We are looking forward to being part of creating an incredible atmosphere and being involved in something the region desperately needs.”

Northern Fireworks from Ballarat is presenting the show from 9.30pm and the radio broadcast involves a countdown.

“Even people who aren’t there will be able experience the occasion by tuning in to 101.3 FM. A reminder that you must tune into the live radio signal for everything to be synchronised,” Mr Roche said.

ACE Radio, through The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations MIXX FM and 3WM, is a major sponsor of the Kannamaroo festival.

This year’s festival, from November 26 to 28, will start with a traditional pre-christmas shopping day in Horsham’s shopping heart.

‘Black Friday’ shopping will be from 9am to 9pm, and while organisers are planning buskers and footpath trading in Firebrace Street, there will be no street closure.

Kannamaroo spokeswoman and Horsham councillor Di Bell said the Friday night start was designed to generate a weekend-long party atmosphere.

“As a committee we believe strongly that we need to give the community something going forward. And we’re proud that we’ve been proactive in 2020 and 2021 and to offer a modified festival in line with guidelines to provide activities that generate joy and hope,” she said.

Festival activities will move to Maydale Reserve in Horsham Showground on the Saturday, where patrons will be able to take part in a variety of carnival and other activities.

Sunday activities include a market along the river from 9am to 2pm, again at Maydale Reserve, where organisers are planning music, children’s amusements and other events.

A Sunday Kannamacruise, involving a procession of hotrod and historical vehicles and motorcycles parading through Horsham streets, will precede a static display at the reserve from 11.30am. The Kannamacruise is raising money for Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids charity.

Cr Bell said Maydale Reserve created an ideal environment for festival activities.

“It’s right on the river, is a great environment and has a great layout. And we are likely to be able to manage any new restrictions if they happen,” she said.

She stressed under state rules, people 16 and older had to be fully vaccinated to attend activities at Maydale Reserve.