PREPARATIONS are in full swing for the Balranald 5 Rivers Outback Festival as it makes a comeback after a two year hiatus.
“There’s a mix of excitement and apprehension this year,” festival coordinator Zoe Griffiths said.
“Myself and the committee were so disappointed in 2020 and 2021 when we had to make the decision to cancel.
“There’s a certain amount of nerves putting on an event post restrictions, but we are elated to be bringing the festival back.”
Finally being able to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the festival, which actually fell back in 2020, Ms Griffiths said she is hoping the wider community will come out and support the weekend.
“It’s been a few years since we’ve had the festival due to COVID restrictions, so admittedly it has taken us a bit to get back into the swing of things in 2022, but things are coming together nicely,” Ms Griffiths said.
The weekend will start at The Gallery on Friday, October 7, with the official festival opening, as well as the opening of the Bal-Archies Art Exhibition.
“We will follow up the night with our Long Table Dinner, set at an exclusive location with live music provided by Chloe Calleja and a surprise show that will blow our guests away,” Ms Griffiths said.
Saturday will see the Main Street markets, showcasing Balranald’s local shops as well as visiting market stall holders. Then Col from Country Tracks 4WD will be running his 4WD muster as has been done in previous years, before everyone will head to the Caravan Park in the afternoon for the Riverbank Bash.
“It will be a family fun afternoon with kids entertainment, live music and food,” Ms Griffiths said.
“Our headline act are Melbourne boys the Pierce Brothers, supported by local Swan Hill and Mildura performers.”
The weekend festivities will wrap up on Sunday Funday, with barefoot bowls, games and live music at the Balranald Ex-Services Club.
“The Balranald community and local businesses have always been very supportive of the festival weekend,” Ms Griffiths said.
“We are so appreciative of our sponsors – we couldn’t hold the festival without their continued support.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Riverbank Bash on Saturday October 8. To purchase them or find of more information, visit, www.5riversoutbackfestival.com.au.
The committee are also still taking registrations for market stall holders for Saturday morning and food vendors for Saturday afternoon, as well as also needing volunteers to help over the weekend in general. If you are interested, contact the team via Facebook, email at 5riversfestival@gmail.com, or call Zoe on 0417014460 or Murph on 0438201474.
