Bouncing back from the flood-enforced cancellation last October, Charlton’s “OK Motels” Festival was back with a bigger and better impact as visitors soaked up the relaxed country lifestyle last weekend.

With the focus firmly set on “community” and the town presenting an array of add-on activities, there was a tangible feeling of homecoming, as friendships were rekindled, new ones made, and former attendees introducing newcomers to what could viewed as a “lifestyle” event.

The benefits flowed both ways – for the locals and the blow-ins alike – with an energized feeling boosting Charlton and building a positivity which had been severely hampered recently by both COVID and the flood. And for a change the metro media coverage was upbeat and unrelated to any crisis.

As the initial driver, it’s music around which the event is built, and the national and international performers are a coup for a small country town to host. This is thanks to the work of Kate Berry and friends who are collaborating with the Charlton community to bring about these outcomes.

Seeing your local patch through fresh eyes can be an empowering experience, and that energy was certainly shared last weekend.

With a tagline of –“Tell Your Friends You Love Them” – the “OK” Festival could be viewed as the embodiment of that statement.

Stay tuned – there’s more to come about Charlton’s big weekend.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 21 February 2023.