CresFest 2025 – full program out now!

THE team at CresFest have unveiled their full program on their website, announcing a diverse and exciting range of performances right across the first weekend in April.

Artistic Director Stella Savy is excited about this year’s program.

“Our volunteers are just awesome in the dedication they bring to the work of putting CresFest together,” she said.

“It’s small but complex, because of the number of venues. The team gets on top of thousands of tiny details, so our audiences can get an early look at what’s happening, and when.”

With up to 18 stages running at peak times, we have to agree!

CresFest in year four is becoming the go-to event for lovers of acoustic and roots music in our region, with its emphasis on quality over quantity, and the chance for people to get up close and personal with some world-beating acts.

“Our local contributors are right up there as well,” says Savy.

“What with Geoffrey Williams, who wrote for the likes of Michael Jackson and Dusty Springfield, the beloved Dead Salesmen Duo, Sweet Mona’s Choir, emerging talent Candi and the mighty Torres Strait woman DeborahN, Ballarat is going to cover itself in glory at CresFest 2025!”

From Friday 4 through Sunday 6 April, CresFest will bring musicians from as far afield as Africa, The Seychelles, India and the UK, to Creswick.

Ballarat people can look forward to experiencing world class live music up close and personal, and enjoying the street vibe with circus performers, Dr Hubble’s Bubbles, The Magic Pudding Theatre, legendary magician Cath Jamieson and over 20 community choirs and bands.

Founder Judy Turner says the festival will reach a crescendo on Saturday afternoon when the Rhythms of Africa, funded through Festivals Australia, takes over the rotunda area, with Ghanaian act Kofi Kunkpe Ensemble leading a 100-voice children’s choir in joyful drumming and dancing in the streets.

For Ms Turner it’s a case of back to the ’80s, when she gets on stage with the group she toured with all over Victoria.

“On Saturday night,” Turner says, “my former band, Paradiddle, is getting back together to do an old-fashioned family bush dance, with fiddle, banjo and even a lagerphone for old time’s sake.

“Then dancing continues into Saturday night with a dress-up dance competition with The Royal High Jinx.”

Not forgetting the little ones, CresFest organisers have doubled the size of the popular KidZone for 2025, taking over the oval at Creswick Primary School with a kids’ own stage – featuring kids’ open mic and children’s acts – plus a craft marquee all weekend.

As for food, the town will not disappoint – pubs and cafes offer great options, and food vans will be on-site all weekend.

Day tickets and weekend passes are available until sold out at cresfest.com.au/tickets .

Full program details at cresfest.com.au/festival/program .

For more information phone 0494 104 977.

//SPONSORED CONTENT