
Coastal Country festival coming
BALLINA has joined the ranks of regional towns that recognise the cultural and community value of holding a music festival.
The organising committee of the inaugural Coastal Country Music Festival has announced funding from Ballina Shire Council for an October festival, with Australian country music legend, singer/songwriter Troy Cassar-Daley, confirmed as the headline act.
Ballina Shire Council has allocated $20,000 for the festival, and agreed to a street closure and central stage area at the end of Fawcett Park.
The park will serve as the focal point for the planned free community and family entertainment planned to run over the long weekend between October 1 and 3.
A growing line-up of local and travelling performers, including such names as Graham Rodger, the Round Mountain Girls, Kathryn Jones, Jabiru and Ray Essery and the Bush Poets will be featured in clubs and pubs around the town.
Buskers’ permits will be issued and a schools program also is being developed. As well as doing a meet-and-greet at a community breakfast on the Monday morning, Troy Cassar-Daley will give a Friday night concert – the only festival event with a door charge – in the auditorium at the Ballina RSL Club.
The organising committee is looking for sponsors, including a major sponsor to claim naming rights to the festival.
Go to www.ballinacountrymusic.com for more details.