Music returns to the Portarlington Bandstand

A BEAUTIFUL sunny day provided the perfect opportunity for the Portarlington Rotunda to shine in Christmas splendour.

About 200 people came to hear the music return to the Portarlington Bandstand on Sunday.

The bandstand space on the upper floor of the Rotunda has been upgraded in response to the efforts of the Portarlington Community Information Booth through the support of the City of Greater Geelong.

Booth president Phil Cameron said the Geelong Memorial Brass Band started the proceedings at noon, which was the first time a brass band had played a concert in the Rotunda Bandstand for 38 years.

“The Portarlington Harmonica Band’s music got the audience into the Christmas spirit and the Retrofitters had people singing and dancing to well-known rock tunes.

“Bill Ogilvie, our piper, sent everyone home with a medley of Scottish tunes, and Lindsay Ellis spoke about the history of the building and his strong family connection to its construction.”

Mr Cameron said information booth volunteers were prominent in their orange shirts with Jennie Tonzing keeping things running as MC.

He said Cr Trent Sullivan spoke about how these events were a great use of the City of Greater Geelong’s assets and important for the community, and Cr Jim Mason also joined in the celebrations.

The Portarlington and Drysdale Lions Club kept the free sausages sizzling and sponsors Portarlington and Drysdale Community Bank and Portarlington’s Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate provided the vital support to make the day possible.

Regular bookings for the Rotunda’s bandstand and forecourt are now welcome.