Rockabilly Fest goes this weekend

Rockers ready: The Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival will star retro fashion, cars and music when it returns this weekend.

THE city is revving up for the Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival ‘Re Jived’ this weekend, 8 to 10 February in the CBD.

There will be plenty of vintage style with classic cars parked along Lydiard Street, live music, dancing, outfit competitions and stalls.

Organisers are looking forward to a fresh and positive spin on the unique festival which has been running for five years and hosts rockers from all over the country.

The three days of retro celebration will kick off tomorrow night, Friday, 8 February with an opening VIP tiki party on The George’s balcony.

Live musicians will play all weekend across various stages in The George’s Lounge and balcony, in The Lane and outside Hop Temple.

The George Backyard will be a base for dancers – a real hive for jive where more bands will play tunes perfect for rocking on the outdoor purpose-built dancefloor. But the entertainment extends further than music. Varietease, a burlesque and variety show featuring Nellie Minnelli and her Empire of Sin, will be held at Lydiard Wine Bar on Friday at 8.30pm and Saturday at 7.30pm and 10pm.

Saturday’s pin-up comp and Sunday’s best dressed comp will go in the Mining Exchange, where there’ll so be stall holders including tattoo artists.

People keen to enter the best dressed competition can register on Sunday morning before the event.

Festival passes and tickets for events across the weekend are on sale at ballarattickets.com.au.