Castlemaine Idyll returns to Castlemaine’s Lot 19 art precinct on Saturday March 18 to once again give aspiring stars their moment to shine.
A beloved fixture on the calendar, Castlemaine Idyll (affectionately known as Idyll) features performances from local legends, and legends in the making. Each contestant has a professional band to back them and a crowd full of enthusiastic supporters cheering them on.
The man behind the event, Mark Anstey, said Idyll is a competition like no other.
“Castlemaine Idyll is an uplifting, collaborative event which brings joy and connection to a wide cross section of our community. Performer places are in high demand – and this year they were filled in record time!” Mark said.
Community member and previous performer Denise Button is a devout Idyll enthusiast.
“Castlemaine Idyll is the highlight of my social calendar. To me, it is an event which captures so much of what I love about the Castlemaine community. Idyll embraces all ages and abilities and is a joyous event that leaves me smiling for days,” Denise said.
“I am a repeat performer, and this year my daughter is performing for the first time, which is very exciting. I love the bravery and creativity of the performers; the genuine support and encouragement from the audience; and the entertaining comments from the judges,” Denise said.
The guest judges are a mainstay of the Idyll fun, and this year the judges are comedian Casey Bennetto, performer and musician Aurora Kurth, and broadcaster and Idyll stalwart Gus Read-Hill.
Held at Lot 19 In Langslow Street, a not-for-profit creative space and events venue committed to supporting local talent and community, Castlemaine Idyll is a true community event, supported generously by a plethora of local businesses and organisations.
“We are grateful to all of the local businesses who continue to support Idyll with great food, a well-stocked bar and other support behind the scenes. Together we will keep your gang, whether it’s family or mates, entertained for hours,” Mark said.
Tickets for the 2023 event have already sold out! But you can tune in and listen live on MainFM 94.9.