Rock’n’roll is here to stay

ANOTHER of city’s own rock-and-roll and rockabilly festivals is set to get shakin’ again in February.

Rock Ballarat is planned for Friday, 10, Saturday, 11, and Sunday, 12 February, and pre-sale tickets for the event, which attracts people from across the country, have gone on sale.

Organiser Stevie Kaze said Civic Hall will be the festival’s base for the three days, however there’ll be a takeover of the showgrounds on the Saturday, and the street party will return to Armstrong Street on the Sunday.

“We’ll have bands at the Civic Hall, line dances, partner dances and pin-up competitions,” he said.

“Having such an open area at the showgrounds means we can have all our trade stalls up there, and a really large truck stage with big sounds.

“We will also run our big car show on the arena, so we’re aiming to get as many classic cars up there as possible.”

Australian musical acts on the line-up include The Linelockers, Mad Cow, and Slim Gritty, and events hosted by venues Hop Temple and Aunty jacks will be part of the weekend program as well.

Mr Kaze said his goal is to host 5000 people per day on Saturday and Sunday, and to sell at least 1000 three-day passes, but the main aim is to encourage community involvement.

“We would love local businesses to take the initiative to get on board with the theme, get into the mood, the music, and get their staff dressed up, particularly along Armstrong Street,” he said.

“When it comes down to it, rockabilly is about community engagement, so the more Ballarat gets involved and in the spirit, even in a small way, it will turn the town around.”

Visit rockballarat.com.au and keep an eye on hermaj.com for further tickets in the coming weeks. Tickets for the showgrounds will be available on the gate.