The Whittlesea Country Music Festival is coming back with a bang for its 22nd year, with organisers hoping it will mark the revival of the music industry in the area.
Vice president David Watson said festival organisers have had to put the event together in a third of the usual time because of the everchanging COVID-19 situation.
He said fighting for funding has not made it easier.
“It’s been very hard to attract sponsors,” Mr Watson said.
“We’ve had some promise they’ll be back, but they just can’t do it this year, which we fully understand.
“We’re thankful for the support of the [council].
“We see ourselves as a bit of a poor cousin… they don’t spend a lot of money out here.
“We’re hoping with the new [chief executive Craig Lloyd], we can renegotiate our contract to be able to host ongoing festivals in years to come.”
Mr Watson said the performers at the festival were looking forward to the event, which has “become a staple in their diary”.
“Some festivals sort of come and go, they might run for one year then disappear, but we’ve been here, year in and year out.
“We’re keen to get it up and running again.
“To get these sorts of things happening, it’s good for everyone.”
The Whittlesea Country Music Festival will be held on Saturday, February 5.
Michaela Meade
