Australian musicians will take to the stage at Lot 19 this weekend for the much-anticipated Backyard Fest.
The event will feature an eclectic mix of funk, pop, soul, rock, afro-fusion, and folk musicians performing over three main stages.
The line-up includes music from singer/songwriter Alice Sky, Melbourne indie rockers Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, psychedelic rockers Babe Rainbow, and many more.
Backyard Fest is the brainchild of friends Blake Van Leeuwen and Alex Kavenagh who have been dreaming of this moment for a long time.
The two friends hosted their first festival in their suburban backyard in 2017 and by 2019 the pair made the decision to move to a large-scale public event on a block of land in Elphinstone.
The festival received significant backlash from local residents due to its proximity to a local wildlife shelter and concerns about potential traffic and fire safety issues. An alternative venue was secured at Newstead Recreation Reserve with plans to hold the event in February 2022.
During the December 2021 meeting of the Mount Alexander Shire Council it became apparent that there were difficulties securing the site. Event organiser Blake Van Leewen spoke at the meeting expressing his frustrations and requesting assistance from the council to proceed with the festival.
Council’s director of corporate and community services, Lisa Knight, said the value of such events was well understood by the council, which had provided considerable staff support to enable the event to go ahead, and a $3000 grant.
However, given the council’s limitations to further facilitate organising the location with the Newstead Recreation Reserve Committee, the festival was once again postponed, leaving Blake and Alex to look for another venue.
Organisers then secured a new venue for the postponed festival on Harmony’s Hill in Faraday. Further complications ensued as necessary approvals were not forthcoming, leaving festival organisers to find a fourth location for the event, finally settling on Castlemaine’s outdoor arts precinct Lot 19.
“It’s been hard. Struggling through COVID and numerous venue changes, said Blake. “We’re hoping to make this an annual event in Faraday, once council permits are approved.
“We’re expecting 400-500 people this year, with more than 300 camping at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve with shuttle buses running back and forth.”
Shedshaker Brewing will keep thirsty festival goers in handcrafted beer straight from the tap, Fugazi Pizza truck will provide delicious pizzas and Castlemaine Fringe is taking over the Lot 19 kitchen to whip up scrumptious curries and barbecue food.
Backyard Fest will be taking place from 4.30pm Friday, November 11 until late Saturday, November 12 at Lot 19 Langslow Street Castlemaine.
For further details visit: www.backyardfest.com.au/