Blues back to bring in 2020

NOW in its twenty-fourth year, the Bluestone Blues Festival is set to entertain classic and original blues lovers at Murgheboluc Reserve this New Year’s Eve and day.

On the 31 December, tunes will start at 6pm and carry until 1am, with Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers headlining the festival, and acts like the Shane Pacey Trio and Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine also on the rich bill.

The fest is fully run by volunteers from the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club. Assistant secretary, Marg Rubans said the group is “so proud of our line up” and anyone will enjoy the event’s casual nature.

“It’s laid back and we get about 500 people there, so it’s quite manageable and they’re mostly all mature age, but we have some teenagers that love the blues,” she said.

“It’s family friendly, we have little kids running around, and it’s just a good time for everyone.”

For those travelling from further afield, like Ballarat, there’s free camping for those that wish to bring a tent, swag or caravan.

“We all go back to our camps and sit around. Someone will bring a guitar out, or if you want to go to bed, you can.

“We’ve got four food vans and a bar at very reasonable prices. Eggs and bacon is on the cards the next morning on recovery day, with music starting again at 11am and going until 5pm,” Ms Rubans said.

On gate duty as attendees arrive at the festival, she said she enjoys seeing familiar faces.

“I love turning up every year and meeting people I haven’t seen for 12 months. We’ve got people from Cairns… Adelaide… all around the place coming.”

Visit sleepyhollowbluesclub.org.au for more information and visit trybooking.com/book/event?eid=559765& for tickets.

Find the Bluestone Blues Festival at Murgheboluc Reserve, Hamilton Hwy, Murgheboluc.