The Orbost Club Hotel made local history on June 28, hosting their first ever Snowy River Country Music Festival in its old bottle shop – and it was nothing short of a triumph.
A collaboration between the Orbost Club Hotel and Lakes Entrance-based musician Olivia Lay, the festival was envisioned as a bold new celebration of Gippsland’s homegrown talent.
With more than 300 tickets sold, the event was a complete sell-out, drawing music lovers from across the state and beyond, including Tumut, the Mornington Peninsula, Warragul and many towns in between.
“I’m so grateful the guys at the pub were keen to run with my wild idea and bring it to life perfectly,” said Olivia Lay, who curated and performed at the event.
Local acts took centre stage, with performances from Orbost’s own Sean McGuiness, whose distinctive clawhammer guitar style struck a chord with the crowd, and Dog Country, who channel the gritty essence of traditional country with a modern Aussie twist.
The night concluded with a powerful set by Ethan Calway, a Tamworth Music Festival alum whose electrifying performance left a lasting impression.
The festival offered more than just music. A mechanical bucking bull, country-themed dress-up, 5ive Canarys food van, and hearty pub meals added to the fun.
A free courtesy bus from Bairnsdale and Marlo ensured attendees could arrive safely and in style.
“Despite the bucking bull’s popularity, it didn’t outshine the performers – luckily,” Ms Lay joked.
Festivalgoers and performers alike were effusive in their praise for the venue and hospitality.
“The bands were so stoked with the event, especially the pub’s hospitality and their support of Gippsland-based music,” Ms Lay said.
Co-owner Craig Perry said the atmosphere spoke for itself.
“The night was such an awesome night with amazing music and fun vibes,” he said.
“We would like to thank everyone locally and from afar for coming and supporting our first Snowy River Country Music Festival. With 308 tickets sold, we are hoping to go bigger and better next year.”
Bruthen Music’s Brent and Bern were also credited for their work on sound production. “Absolute legends,” Ms Lay added in thanks.
The economic boost for the region was a welcome side effect.
With attendees booking local accommodation, dining in nearby towns, and shopping locally, the event provided a tangible uplift.
Festivalgoer Joanne, commenting on social media, summed up the community’s appreciation for the hotel’s new direction: “Great job guys! Best thing to happen to O-town in years was you young fellas taking over a tired old pub!! Good job.”
“These kinds of events are crucial from a local musician’s perspective – there really aren’t many opportunities, and gigs like this can lead to bigger and better ones,” Ms Lay reflected.
With glowing feedback and momentum behind them, organisers are already looking to the future.
If the bottom pub’s inaugural Snowy River Country Music Festival was anything to go by, Orbost can look forward to becoming a regular stop on the country music map.
Written by Shannan Smith – Smith Creative
