Foot-tapping fest to rock Ballarat

AN inaugural festival is being held next weekend with the aim of bringing rock‘n’roll, old-fashioned cars and family fun to the Ballarat.

The Ballarat Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival is set to debut on Saturday, 26 November at the Ballarat Showgrounds.

The event organisers are Sharon Murrihy, Malcolm Wood and Kirsty Robinson, who said the event will be a first for Ballarat.

“An event like this is really catered for the dancers. We feel Ballarat hasn’t really had an event like this for the rock ‘n’ roll dancers,” she said.

“It’s a very accepting community that the three of us have been involved in for a while with rock ‘n’ roll and line dancing sessions.

“We thought it’d be good to give back and share that with everyone.”

Daytime performers include Elvis Presley impersonator Andrew Portelli, The Infernos, The Atomic Hi Tones and Gran Torino while two pavilions will house rock‘n’roll and line dancing lessons.

About six bikes and 30 cars will be on display including a semi-trailer man cave, while children’s activities include ten-pin bowling, face painting and a petting zoo.

Melbourne-based acts Itchy Fingers and The Fender Benders are slated to perform during a ticketed dance night from 6pm to 11pm.

Mr Wood said the festival will have something for everyone.

“It fully caters for the family. Dad might want to go look at the cars or bikes. Mum might want to go through the market stalls. The kids will have their own activities to do too,” he said.

“Almost everything’s being kept local too so it’s really showing everyone what Ballarat has to offer.”

Entry is via gold coin donation while the $30 evening concert can be booked at bit.ly/3UykqAf.