CresFest returns to share the joy of music

THE population of Creswick is set to double over the first weekend of April.

More than three hundred performers including bands, soloists, circus acts, magicians and community choirs are to pack the streets for CresFest.

The festival aims to share the joy of live music and dance with concerts taking place across Creswick both inside historic buildings and outdoors.

“It seeps into pretty much every corner of our town, and music lifts you up and it makes you feel better,” CresFest founder Judy Turner said.

“We need to feel even briefly free from anxiety and that’s what music and dance does for you and that’s my motivation.”

The festival is directed by Ballarat musician and choir leader Stella Savy, and attendees will have the opportunity to join her and the Sweet Monas in the festival choir.

The choir’s performance will conclude the festival on Sunday 6 April on the primary school stage.

“By no means is the festival just for watching, it’s for doing,” Ms Turner said.

“There are great festivals out there where you go and see amazing music and watch, but ours is really for getting involved.”

One of this year’s highlights will be the The Rhythms of Africa – An Extravaganza which received funding from the Federal Government.

To be performed on Saturday 5 April, Savy and drummer Kofi Kunkpe will lead primary school students in singing African music.

“It is a massive occasion for all school kids in Creswick to come out and sing African songs that they’ve been taught in the last month or two,” Ms Turner said.

“Everybody at the festival will be invited to stop what they are doing and dance in the streets.”

Other performers include Neil Murray, Joe Geia, Grace Barbe from Australia, and Chris Stout, Catriona McKay and Natty Dolaiasi from overseas, playing to crowds of no more than 200 people.

Tickets for children under 12 are free and the KidZone will provide a place to gather, sing, watch, draw, make, and try heritage games.

Last year’s festival was a sell-out, and it is organised my more than 150 volunteers who help set up, do door duty or host artists.

CresFest president Mark Myers, convenor of the Creswick Acoustic and Folk Music Club, said the economic impact of the festival is significant.

“We calculate we’ve brought value of over $1 million in new money to town each year,” he said.

“On top of the social capital we’re building among the community.”

CresFest is on Friday 4 to Sunday 6 April and there will be both ticketed and free performances.

To purchase tickets, visit the CresFest website.