Rockin’ revival for February festival

SWINGING, swaying, rocking tunes playing, and dancing in the street.

The Rock Ballarat Rock ‘n’ Roll Rockabilly Festival will bring a combined, vibrant, retro feel and program back to the city this coming February.

Passionate rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly business owners, Tracey Spencer, Stevie Kaze and Mark Boswerger have put their heads together to coordinate the weekend of 7, 8 and 9 February.

Mr Boswerger runs brand, Bop Jonny’s Rock n Swing Gear with his wife Suzie Boswerger. Rock ‘n’ roll dancing is their great love, living in Ballarat which has a “long dance history.

“There’s a huge rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly contingency, and the former festival was great when it was running, so it was too good a festival and too much fun for Ballarat to let it go,” he said.

“Friday and Saturday night dancing at Civic Hall will bring people in, we’ll have a hot rod display, there’ll be stalls, an exciting street party and dancing in Armstrong Street, all the cafes are getting on board, setting up with a rock ‘n’ roll theme, so there’ll be plenty to do.”

With hospitality businesses hosting smaller fringe events and bands on the Saturday night, there’ll also be burlesque shows, and fashion pin-up competitions across the festival.

Australia’s Got Talent Winner and PhysiPole Studios Ballarat’s Kristy Sellars is Rock Ballarat’s ambassador and will be judging some of these events.

“I love everything that the festival stands for. I’m all about body positivity, so to be part of it is a huge honour,” she said. “Performance is in my soul, so I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the different performances.”

A welcoming weekend, Mr Boswerger said Rock Ballarat is for everyone, whether they’re already fans of the 50s and 60s style or not.

“People will enjoy the fashion, the music, and it’s a lively, fun, family friendly vibe. It’s going to be magnificent,” he said.

“We’re always looking for some sponsors to help us out, and anyone interested should get tickets to both the dancing nights at rockballarat.com.au.”

More venues and announcements are to come in the next few weeks.