Aireys tunes up for music fest

THE final touches have been put on the 2026 Aireys Inlet Music Festival and the musicians are fired up to hit the stage.

A stacked lineup of artists is on the bill for the 20th anniversary of the community event from 13-15 March.

The program features three jam-packed days and nights at the Aireys Inlet Pub.

Local groovers The Beachniks will bring their coastal retro style that has kept them going for the past three decades.

They will perform some of their old classics, with some reimagined tunes sprinkled in between.

“We are feeling great about performing in our backyard,” trumpeter Jeff Raglus said.

“We kicked off in 1996, and it’s been a radical journey since we started out.

“There will be five of us at the festival performing and it’s sure to be super fun and what we describe as a deluxe version of The Beachniks.”

Raglus has also designed the artwork for this year’s event.

 

His depiction sums up “all the best parts of Aireys” with the lighthouse, musicians and fun vibes.

Surf Coast four-piece De Porsal has made a strong name for themselves within the small coastal hamlet.

The lo-fi indie rockers are looking forward to playing Aireys and putting on a good show for all the punters.

“I’m stoked to come back. This festival has been there for us since we were really little,” guitarist Xander Willingham said.

“It’s a great event, everyone is so friendly and we always just have the most fun time.

“Expect plenty of dancing, and maybe even some unexpected elements to our performance.”

Geelong mega-group The Sweethearts will also be taking to the stage, featuring an ensemble of more than 15 local women.

Ella Carty has been in the band for more than six years and is one of its oldest members.

“I’m so excited, since I’ve been a part of the band we haven’t played here, so it’s going to be the best thing to do,” she said.

“We have a big ensemble of high school students, and our aim is to showcase the power of women in music. This helps us figure out who we are as a person and gives us a great purpose.”

Aireys Inlet Music Festival director, Ed Prendergast, said excitement was “sky high” heading into next weekend.

“Wow, it’s all going great, ticket sales are up and we are looking forward to having a big crowd in there.

“It’s a fantastic lineup we’ve got locked in with Nick Barker, The Mess Hall, Ella Thompson, The Meanies and more.

“We will also have Barry Gilson doing a solo didgeridoo show, which is going to be a highlight.”

For last-minute tickets to the festival, head to aireysinlet.com.au