THE Balranald 5 Rivers Outback Festival will finally be able to celebrate their 10th anniversary in October – just two years after it was originally scheduled back in 2020.
Festival coordinator Zoe Griffiths is thrilled that they are finally able to reschedule, but is still aware of the potential COVID complications that forced multiple postponements over the last couple of years.
“We are pretty excited that we can hopefully finally get the chance to go ahead this year,” Ms Griffiths said.
“Of course we’re still a little bit nervous that things could happen, but we are a lot more confident this year that it will go ahead.”
The festival will run from October 7-9, kicking off on the Friday with the official opening at the Balranald Art Gallery’s Bal-Archies launch, followed by a long table dinner with live entertainment.
“We usually like to throw something a little bit different into the dinner night so it isn’t the same every year,” Ms Griffiths said.
“A couple of years ago we surprised everyone with fire dancers.”
Saturday will see the markets in the main street, and the return of the 4WD Muster. In the afternoon will be the Big Bash Music Festival, featuring Melbourne artists Pierce Brothers, supported by a mix of local bands.
To finish of the weekend will be a Sunday session with live music and fun games. While a final location hasn’t been locked for the music festival or Sunday session yet, Ms Griffiths said they are hoping to be able to have it back down near the river as they have done in previous years.
Ms Griffiths says the weekend is of great significance to Balranald and surrounds.
“It’s not just important to bring new things to the town, it brings that boost of tourism and financial help that I guess small towns need, particularly after COVID when things have been pretty quiet,” Ms Griffiths said.
“If we can help the town do well for even one weekend, or put a name out there that you don’t have to just drive through, you can stop at the shops and see what we have on offer here.”
To find out more information about the upcoming festival, go to the Balranald 5 Rivers Outback Festival Facebook page.
