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Festival ramps up

Tari JeffersManjimup-Bridgetown Times
Karin Page, pictured here playing at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival in 2018, has been nominated for four awards in this year's WA Country Music Awards.
Camera IconKarin Page, pictured here playing at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival in 2018, has been nominated for four awards in this year's WA Country Music Awards. Credit: Tari Jeffers/Manjimup-Bridgetown Times, Tari Jeffers

The Boyup Brook community will benefit to the tune of about $1.2 million this weekend when up to 13,000 people hit the streets for the 35th annual Boyup Brook Country Music Festival.

The festival kicks off on Friday and will bring music and country spirit through until Monday.

Festival president Daly Winter said ticket sales and camping bookings were already up on last year’s numbers.

“The festival, over the four days, had about 12,000 last year, so we’re hoping to improve on that, so we’re looking at 12,000 to 13,000 people,” he said.

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This year’s line up includes CMA Global Country Music Artist Award winner Adam Harvey, Australia’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Graeme Connors and four-time Golden Guitar winner Amber Lawrence.

Set up for the event began on Monday and Mr Winter said the efforts of the town and festival volunteers was invaluable.

“Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” he said.

“We have a number of volunteers who have put in eight-hour days for three days even before our set up began today.”

Mr Winter said community groups and businesses also supported the event with camping sites and venues for satellite events.

“Community groups can get about $20,000 fundraising from camping alone,” he said.

“I know it’s the schools’ major fundraiser for the year.”

One of the changes down at the Music Park this year will be where the artists sign in.

“So people can get a better look at the artists and maybe even get an autograph or photo,” Mr Winter said.

Boyup Brook shire president Graham Aird said the ongoing success of the festival was a testament to the dedication of its committee.

“The festival is a wonderful contributor to our community,” he said.

“Everyone from the arts to the sporting groups come out in some way and show off Boyup Brook.

“It’s great to see so many well-renowned national and international artists come back time and again to perform.”

Cr Aird said from the WA Country Music Awards on Friday night, the Music Park on Saturday and the Ute and Truck Muster on Saturday, the festival had a lot to offer.

“I hope we continue to get volunteers for the festival, it’s massive,” he said.

The effect of the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival is even felt in Bridgetown.

Bridgetown Caravan Park has reported most accommodation and powered sites had been booked.

“It brings people into town and they wander around the main street and contribute to the local economy,” manager Terri Peltz said.

Visit countrymusicwa.com.au for more information.

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