Singers up Creek

THERE may have been rain and freezing temperatures, but the stars still came out for the Hoddles Creek Music Festival’s Rock ‘n’ the Bush weekend.
Despite less than desirable weather conditions, the two-day music festival, held on Saturday, 8, and Sunday, 9 April, has been hailed a huge success.
The festival featured an impressive line-up of international music acts, including jazz artist Renee Geyer, folk singer Debra Conway, Wendy Stapleton and Aussie rocker Ross Wilson.
Staged in bush land on Eacott’s Road, Hoddles Creek, the festival attracted about 500 music fans with 150 punters camping overnight.
“We had a fantastic weekend. Everyone had a fantastic time,” organiser Cindy Smith said.
“The weather did let us down and numbers were not as good as we had hoped for, but the feedback we’ve had from performers and punters was that it all went well.”
Ms Smith said the festival, which aimed to raise funds for the local CFA fire brigades, was well supported by the local community.
“Local scout groups and CFA crews helped with traffic management and cleaning up the rubbish,” she said.
“The event showed the terrific community spirit that exists in this part of the world. The whole weekend had the feel of the old draught horse festival.”
Ms Smith said the organising committee were determined to make the festival an annual event and that preparations were already underway for the event to return next year.