Putting down roots

MUSIC lovers are proving there is still a strong appetite for intimate festivals in the Byron region following the cancellation of Bluesfest, with the upcoming Mullum Roots Festival on track to sell out for a second consecutive year.

Festival founder Lou Bradley said she had initially been concerned the cost-of-living crisis might affect ticket sales, but those fears had not materialised.

"It's greatly needed," she said. "It's something that's accessible for the community as it's affordable. There's good camping options.

"Last year 60 per cent of people who came were from the local region and it's looking like it will be similar this year."

The festival, to be held on 11–12 July, features more than 30 acts across multiple venues in Mullumbimby. Headliners include Mental As Anything, double-platinum artist Alex Lloyd, ARIA Award-winning duo Busby Marou, The Fauves, Dave Graney and Bill Chambers.

Bradley said she was particularly excited about expanding opportunities for young musicians through the Youth Battle of the Bands on the Saturday afternoon, giving emerging local artists the chance to perform live and compete for stage time and prizes.

Sunday night's Women of Country showcase will celebrate classic country and western music, with local performers Mandy Hawkes, Emily Lubitz, Abbie Cardwell, Christina Webster-Salmon and Genna Pyewacket performing songs by some of their favourite artists, including Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and June Carter.

Hawkes said the group's first performance together was at The Eltham Hotel last year and she enjoyed both the collaborative nature of the project and the opportunity for each performer to bring their own favourite artists and interpretations to the stage.

She said she loves the songwriting and storytelling associated with country music.

"It just makes me feel something," she said. "I also love all the country instruments."

Hawkes said she was looking forward to performing at Mullum Roots for the first time.

"I love that we're using the venues there and it's a chance to celebrate roots music with other musicians," she said. "Christina and I are also doing backing vocals for our friend Yazmindi and there's also songwriting workshops."

Vintage double decker bus The Love Bus will once again transport festivalgoers between the festival venues and campgrounds.

For more information and tickets, visit mullumrootsfest.com