By ANEEKA SIMONIS
HEALESVILLE is saving the best for last with its massive annual music festival set to coincide with the town’s 150th anniversary celebration in November.
Now in its fifth year, the Healesville Music Festival will ensure good times and even better music over the weekend starting 14 November at various venues across the town.
The anniversary event will debut its first international artist Chris Henry with Hardcore Grass from Nashville, USA, as well as other headlining acts including We Two Thieves, acclaimed blues band the Three Kings and the welcome return of last year’s favourites, the Little Stevies.
A hallmark of the Healesville Music Festival is its focus on original songwriters which this year include renowned troubadours Liz Stringer, Fred Smith with Liz Frencham, Lucie Thorne and Hugh McDonald to name a few.
A Mexican and African rhythm will also be felt in the audience as multicultural artists Sin Frontera and Afrovival bust their groove.
Showcasing local talent, Yarra Valley favourites Engine Room, vocal quartet Balladry and Louie and the Pride will also perform, doing their hometown proud on its birthday celebration.
The festival is normally held each year in March but honing in on the festival-free time of the year and the anniversary, the weekend is sure to attract plenty of visitors.
The event is family-friendly and all profits made by the festival are channelled back into local organisations and projects to bolster the Healesville community.
Performances will be held at four venues – the Memo, Healesville RSL, the Terminus Hotel and Mocha and Lime.
Tickets for the fifth annual Healesville Music Festival are now on sale.
For bookings and information, call 5966 4500 or visit www.healesvillemusicfestival.com.au.
