Creswick to come alive

PLANNING for CresFest, which is set for the first weekend of April, is quietly bubbling away with events in preparation for the arts festival.

The Creswisk event has attracted international, national and local participants, and celebrates the arts in all its forms, from singing and music, to the written and spoken word.

Convenor of CresFest, Judy Turner, said she could not be more excited at how the festival is coming together.

“We have secured wonderful performers and excellent volunteers who will add to the vibrancy of the festival,” she said.

“For those who love something a little bit different, there’s an opportunity to learn some Bollywood dancing and take part in the closing performance.”

Event volunteers were amongst the audience who filled the Creswick Court House Theatre on Friday to enjoy two stunning acts that will be performing at CresFest.

Zoj is Ballarat based Iranian Australian singer Gelarah Pour and partner Brian O’Dwyer who sang and played mesmerising, but contemporary music based on traditional Iranian music.

O’Dwyer’s sensitive drumming belied his early start in music playing heavy metal! Pour’s haunting voice captured the pain of separation.

Indian Australian singer Parvyn Singh and partner guitarist Josh Bennett also presented the beauty of Indian religious and secular music which continues to influence their everyday existence.

Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Tim Drylie said that it had been a great evening.

“We are very privileged to have some outstanding musicians perform at our own small theatre in Creswick,” he said.

“It is so important we support our local artists and reconnect as a community. CresFest is going to bring such a welcome boost in confidence and creativity to our town.”