Dust off your boots and find your best felt hat, the Snowy River Country Music Festival is returning to Orbost this weekend, with organisers promising a bigger and better experience as the event enters its second year.
Presented by the Orbost Club Hotel and Serendipity Music Events, the festival will take place this Saturday, May 16, starting at 6.30pm.
Following the success of a sold-out inaugural event last year, this year’s edition is moving outdoors to a larger dedicated space behind the hotel’s former bottle shop.
Organisers say the transition to an outdoor format will allow for a significantly larger stage production and a true festival atmosphere.
The night will showcase a powerhouse lineup of four Gippsland country acts: Three Chain Road, Harry Hook, Joe Blake and the Cut Snakes, and Tegan Blackstock, who will kick off the evening’s performances.
Beyond the main stage, the event will feature a broad range of festival activities, including a country-themed best-dressed competition, DJ sets, and a variety of food options ranging from traditional pub meals to local food vans.
The first festival attracted a capacity crowd of 350 people and was a complete sell-out, drawing visitors from across the region and interstate while providing a welcome economic boost to the Orbost township.
Event organiser Olivia Lay said the decision to grow the event was driven by a desire to keep the momentum going for the regional arts scene.
“It’s a tough climate for live music, and it means a lot that venues like the Orbost Club Hotel continue to support and grow the local music scene,” Ms Lay said.
In a move to make the festival more accessible, organisers have increased ticket availability for this year and have actually reduced ticket prices.
To ensure a safe and easy night out for those travelling from further afield, a return bus service will operate from Bairnsdale, Bruthen and Nowa Nowa.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased through online booking platforms or via the event’s official social media pages.
Given last year’s sell-out success, locals are encouraged to secure their spots early.
Harry Hook is Real has also been named in the line-up for this year’s Snowy River
Music Festival.
