One more time for Gold Rock Festival

INDIE rock festival Gold Rock returns for its fourth and final edition in a couple of weeks, and to mark the occasion it’s expanding to a three-day affair.

To be held exclusively at the Golden Vine Hotel in King Street, highlights are scheduled to include Castlemaine juniors Electric Heads (2.30pm Saturday 8 November), Melbourne’s Westall 66 (9.30pm Saturday 8 November) and Geelong’s All Hope Remains (8.30pm Sunday 9 November).

There’s also going to be a mystery co-headliner performing late on the Saturday evening at 10.30pm.

Festival founder and organiser Shann Lions explained the reason Gold Rock is coming to a close is because he can no longer afford the time and feels the need to concentrate on his own burgeoning career.

“I need to do what I’ve got to do,” he said.

“I’m going to be still floating around Bendigo but I’m going to be splitting my time between different places in Victoria, Sydney and (recording) overseas as well.”

He said any support from local music fans for Gold Rock’s final stand would be much appreciated.

“It’s an independent venue, with independent beer (Cornella Brewery), independent bands, and the cost is minimal,” he said.

“I think (also) we’re blessed that the Golden Vine is still here.

“(It’s) been an original music venue ever since I moved to this town in the very late 90s.

“It’s one of those rare venues that’s still going, so people need to support it if they truly value it.

“You might not be able to come for the three days, but if you can come for a few hours or you can come for one night, it doesn’t matter, you’re supporting the scene.”

Gold Rock 4 begins on Friday 7 November. Tickets can be purchased via Humanitix.