BOUNDARY Bend residents wanted to see a return of the usual small-town community spirit after the pandemic.
They decided music would be the perfect way to bring locals out of their homes, and back into the swing of things.
Not even last year’s flooding could slow the inaugural Beats at the Bend concert, as hundreds of people made the trip for a night of music and fun.
Organiser and Boundary Bend Progress Association member Lisa Westmore said she expected Saturday’s second edition of the event to be even bigger.
“Last year went really well, even with it being held during the floods,” she said.
“On the day the concert took place, the emergency map actually said that Boundary Bend had been cut off.
“We still had about 300 people come along, but I think we could’ve done a lot better if there was no flooding to worry about.
“Everyone who attended last year had a great time, it’s just such a lovely, family-friendly event.”
Mrs Westmore said the progress association had created the event after it hosted a leg of the Fanny Lumsden Country Halls Tour.
“We saw how great the event was, and how much fun the whole community was having,” she said.
“Obviously we were forced to skip a couple of years, but last year we sort of thought, ‘Why don’t we just hold a community concert?’
“It can be a bit difficult to draw people from bigger towns like Swan Hill and Mildura, but we want to leap over these hurdles and really put Boundary Bend back on the map.
“All profits go back into the community, through the Boundary Bend Progress Association.”
A suite of talented, local musicians were ready to hit the stage.
“We are expecting it to be a great, family-friendly day,” she said.
“Paul Costa is a local Robinvale boy, Greg Storer is a local Wemen boy, Thea McLaughlan is a local, up-and-coming Robinvale girl.
“We also have Dirt Road Tribute, who are based up on the east coast and are known for their fantastic cover performances.
“There’s going to be great food and drink, and there’s also a playground at the park.
“Last year all of the children were playing on the playground while their parents sat around and caught up with one another.
“Bring your mates, bring your brother, your mum, your kids, it’s just a fantastic time for all ages.”
There will be handful of food trucks and a licensed bar on site, with the event being strictly no BYO.
The event at Boundary Bend Memorial Park starts at 3pm on Saturday.
Tickets can be purchased at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1096903. Entry for children 15 and under is free.
