Singing, dancing in the street

CRESFEST’S committee and volunteers are welcoming the world to Creswick this weekend as the second annual festival of live music and dancing kicks off today.

Convenor, Judy Turner, said there’s a feeling of nervousness, but great excitement, after nearly a year of planning for the three days, and she encourages the region to see what the arts and cultural event has to offer.

“Drive out, or hop on a bus out to Creswick, see some live music, busking, pop in and out of cafes, come and see our market, and just be here,” she said.

“Buy a day ticket, or a weekend pass. There’s heaps to do, even for kids. There’s heaps to eat, there’s art exhibitions, conversations. Such a range for people to enjoy.

“We’re particularly excited about how our parade is coming together, with all the bands learning Latin American tunes, and Victor and Stefi from Elemento One set to teach salsa in the street.

“It will be a crowd of people with goodwill, with no competition, all knowing what music can do for the soul. It will be so uplifting.”

Ms Turner said although it’s a community festival at its heart, it’s much more than that, and she expects people will be coming to town each with their own view of what CresFest is.

“They might be coming along to meet family, to play music with friends from Queensland they haven’t seen for a while, or because their lifelong hero violin player will be there and it’s their first chance to see them play,” Ms Turner said.

“Our attendees make it what they want and that’s really the best thing.

“So many community members have made their way in this year as well; there’s nine Creswick groups involved including choirs, the Creswick Chorus and the Creswick Children’s Choir, which are just magic.”

Ms Turner said she can’t wait for attendees to see Gary Miles’ rotating light feature, which has been installed inside the Creswick rotunda.

“It’s going to make everybody smile as they go past, both locals and visitors alike, it’s literally going to cast a new glow on our town, and it’s a beautiful thing,” she said.