The Snowy River Country Music Festival will return to Orbost next month, with Lakes Entrance organiser Olivia Lay leading an expanded second-year program aimed at growing the regional live
music event.
Presented by the Orbost Club Hotel and Serendipity Music Events, the festival will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 6.30pm. It will move outdoors this year to a larger space behind the venue’s former bottle shop, allowing for an expanded stage setup and a broader festival atmosphere.
Ms Lay said the new format was designed to build on last year’s sell-out success and strengthen support for live music in regional communities.
“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,” she said.
Four Gippsland country acts are on the lineup, including Three Chain Road, Harry Hook, Joe Blake and the Cut Snakes, with Tegan Blackstock opening the evening. Alongside the live performances, the festival will feature pub meals, a food van, DJs and a country-themed best dressed competition.
The inaugural event attracted a crowd of 350 people and sold out, drawing visitors from across the region and interstate and delivering a boost to the local economy.
To improve accessibility, organisers have increased ticket allocations and reduced prices this year, with a return bus service also operating from Bairnsdale, Bruthen and
Nowa Nowa.
Tickets are available through online booking platforms and the festival’s social media pages.
