Nightjar Festival dazzles crowds in victorious return

CROWDS flocked to the Torquay Common last night for the debut of the Nightjar Festival’s new format, enjoying an electrifying night of music, art and culture.

It marks the first time the iconic event has been held in four years.

The Victoriana Gaye Trio launched proceedings with its unique sound and soulful harmonies and firebrand Harry James Angus thrilled audiences with an energetic performance.

Headline act Yirrmal was joined on stage by the legendary Shane Howard and together they brought an epic first night to a close with a rendition of ‘Solid Rock’.

Throughout the night, festival goers were dazzled with performances by stilt walkers and fire jugglers and cast off their worries at the event’s free silent disco.

And the fun continues tonight (January 5) from 4pm.

Surf Coast outfit, De Porsal will hit the stage first.

This quirky group of multi-instrumentalists are about to release a new album and their lo-fi indie rock tunes are sure to delight.

Creative Fear will follow with its atmospheric mix of 60s retro pop, as will Brisbane-based rockers Full Flower Moon Band.

Expect a powerful performance from cultural leader and artist Fred Leone.

One of the Butchulla Songmen with Aboriginal, Tongan and South-Sea Islander roots, he’ll be bringing hip-hop rhyming, unique vocal stylings, and traditional instruments to the Big Top.

Fan favourites, The Murlocs, will close out the second night of the Nightjar Festival with their distinctive sound.

The five-piece band has six studio albums under its belt and is fronted by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard keyboardist and harmonica player, Ambrose Kenny-Smith.

There is also plenty of additional entertainment in store.

Catch the African drummers from One Spirit Africa, the improvisational absurdist that is Daniel Oldaker and join The Jungle Body with Megan for a dance workout.

Bebop Circus has activities for kids covered with its interactive play space.

Over the weekend, the Design Exchange Market will run for the first time in Torquay.

A beloved fixture in Ballart, the carefully curated market brings together some of Australia’s inspiring independent designers, artists and creators.

The market will run on Saturday, January 6 from 3-9pm and Sunday, January 7 from 10am-4pm and feature food vans and drinks from local producers, Great Ocean Road Gin and Flowstate Brewers & Distillers.

Entry will set you back $5 for adults and is free for anyone under the age of 18.

The Nightjar Festival will continue next week on January 11 and 12 with more mesmerising musical performances.

To purchase tickets, head to nightjarfestival.com.au