CresFest sounding awesome!

MUSIC, performance, and dancing will bring Creswick to life from tomorrow as the inaugural CresFest gets underway.

The contemporary folk and world music festival will be held from this Friday, 1 to Sunday, 3 April, inviting lovers of performing arts from across the region to enjoy a weekend of live tunes in iconic and historic venues across the town.

CresFest convenor Judy Turner said much “talent, energy, time, skills and enthusiasm” has already been offered by her support team of organisers, but of course, plenty more is expected on the stages this weekend.

“It’s only when you get to this moment, just days before the opening event, that I am able to say I am truly humbled by this community who have come on board, to take the risk, to say, I helped to achieve something special for Creswick,” she said.

Many live acts are booked across the huge weekend program including Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, D’Arcy Spiller, KEE’AHN, FOOLS, Freya Josephine Hollick, Pete Denahy, the Eric Bogle Trio and the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.

There are also free activities, busking, and even a family bush dance.

“It’s a great reason to visit Creswick. This is truly a festival that has something for all ages, all abilities and so many musical genres,” Ms Turner said.

“There really is something for everyone from participation, to listening, watching, contemplation and meditation. I couldn’t be happier how it’s all come together.”

CresFest volunteer and Creswick Chorus singer Fiona Watson said excitement is bubbling.

“There is a real sense of anticipation, of what’s been accomplished,” she said.

“The last rehearsals for community choir are happening, making sure words are remembered, but the choir is about having fun, and Stella Savy is an absolute marvel at making sure that happens.”

RACV Goldfields Resort has sponsored a free shuttle bus from Ballarat to Creswick on Saturday and Sunday, and The Lions Club of Creswick has purchased tickets to CresFest for people disadvantaged by the recent Creswick floods.

Cars cannot be parked on the main street of Creswick for more than two hours, but there will be plenty of longer-term parks in side street, and the shuttle. Visit cresfest.com.au for tickets.