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DID you know that Britain’s longest lasting female musical duo are coming to Creswick?

As part of their 14th Australian visit, While and Matthews are set to perform at the Town Hall and Creswick Primary School throughout this weekend’s CresFest.

The independent outfit of 28 years hail from the north of England and were originally members of the Albion Band in the 1990s.

Chris While said their last record was their 13th original studio album, and they continue to love what they do, playing guitar, piano, and blending harmonies.

“We both write all our own material, and there’s an affinity between us, having worked together for that long,” she said.

“It’s just a joy and I don’t think it’s ever going to stop, really, until we fall over.

“Victoria is the place we play most when we come to Australia. We love it here, but we’ve never played CresFest before, so we’re really looking forward to it.

“The audience can expect good songs sung with commitment. We’re going to make them laugh and cry with songs from the heart, political songs, and everything in between.

“We’re so happy to be here.”

Having released two albums since they were last in the country five years ago, While and Matthews are set to play their newer music alongside some of their older favourites.

Solo musician and school teacher, Stan Woodhouse, also known as Skyscraper Stan, is set to perform on stages at Creswick Primary School and Leaver’s.

A lover of story and language who moves between the genres of soul, country, folk, and rock and roll, Woodhouse became embedded in the Ballarat arts community when he moved to the city just over three years ago.

“My journey through music has been one of songcraft, and learning that, while doing my best to perfect it, but still miles away, because no one ever can,” he said.

“Songcraft and showmanship are my two favourite things to do as a musician and I’m a sucker for attention, so I like to put on a good show.

“I’ll be playing some of my songs that many people in this area will be familiar with, and road-testing some new stuff that I promise is good, or at least, my girlfriend thinks so.

“Fans of longer winded storytelling songs should enjoy it.”

While and Matthews will be hot off the back of gigs at the Blue Mountains Music Festival, and the Port Fairy and Yackandandah folkies.

While said these types of regional events, just like CresFest, are “kind of the best.”

“Small festivals mean so much to communities, and we really appreciate them.” she said. “Organisers are there because it means a lot to them. They do it because of the music.

“At a small festival you get to see everybody, and people get to meet each other. It’s lovely.”