Musical magic at CresFest

THE sound of music filled Creswick last weekend as community groups took to the streets for CresFest, the town’s annual folk music event.

Bands, soloists, circus acts, magicians and community choirs packed the streets and historic buildings of Creswick to share the joy of music.

The Ballan Community Choir, U3A Celtic Band, the Creswick Cloggers and the Creswick Brass Band were just some of the community groups who took to the stage.

There were several First Nations acts including Meriam woman Deb Lowah Clark, brothers Azlan and Tristan, and singer and songwriter Joe Geia.

CresFest is now in its fourth year and founder and co-director Judy Turner said Creswick is the perfect town for the event.

“Creswick is a town that lends itself to this kind of endeavour with different small venues that are all very close to each other,” she said.

“Here you feel like you’re part of a community, a warm little town that’s welcoming you for a weekend where there’s nothing in mind apart from joy in music.”

Creswick locals Rose Kudlicki and Kyle Charleston have attended the festival for several years and have hosted artists in their home.

Mr Charleston said it is great to see so many people visit Creswick.

“It breathes so much life into the town,” he said.

“There’s some really good bars, restaurants and cafes that people who would otherwise never come to Creswick see.”

Festival director Stella Savy and drummer Kofi Kunkpe led primary school students in singing African music.

Rhythms of Africa – An Extravaganza was funded by the Federal Government and the children involved practiced the performance for several months.

The festival choir also encouraged community involvement, with anyone at the event invited to join Savy and the Sweet Monas to conclude the festival.

“Music is universal, and it doesn’t actually matter what age you are or how you interact with it, the same message, the same vibe is shared,” Savy said.