October promises a revival of spirits and music along the Loddon River as the ‘Whole Loddon Love’ initiative orchestrates a series of live music events. These events will unfold over the first two weekends of the month across venues in Pyramid Hill, Boort, Newbridge, and Bridgewater. The culmination of this initiative is the daytime community party scheduled at Baringhup Hall on Sunday 15 October from 12 to 6pm.
A bevy of talent is set to grace the Baringhup Hall stage, with performers like The Maes from Melbourne (ex Maldon), The Jess Parker Band from Castlemaine, the entrancing Felicity Cripps Band and more. The day will also witness a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, with more attractions yet to be announced.
Emphasising community inclusion, the events are free for local residents and children. Visitors from outside the flood-affected areas can join for a nominal fee of $15. Locals and kids are encouraged to register for their free tickets in advance. Special reduced-cost tickets for locals have also been organised. Those who are in a position to purchase tickets, please do so, as the money will go back into the community. For those interested, tickets are available at www.wholeloddonlove.com.
The spirit of community collaboration shines brightly, with funds raised being channelled into local organisations dedicated to flood recovery. A community BBQ is on the cards, courtesy of the CFA, and Shedshaker Brewing will be pouring drinks, pledging their profits back to the community.
The events leading up to the grand finale at Baringhup Hall encompass venues like the Victoria Hotel in Pyramid Hill, starting from Friday 6 October, with artists such as Queenie, Dan Kelly and more; Saturday 7 October Railway Hotel in Boort with Queenie, Dan Kelly, Jess Parker Band and more; Sunday 8 October at the Newbridge Hotel with Jess Parker Band, Dan Kelly and more. And on Saturday 14 October at the Bridgewater Hotel with Jess Parker Band, Valley Road and more. Each event is curated to showcase the best of regional talent, and their collective objective is to rejuvenate and rally the flood-affected communities.
The essence of Whole Loddon Love goes beyond entertainment; it’s a beacon of unity, resilience, and acknowledgment of the adversities faced by the community. Every associated artist holds Regional Victoria dear, with performances interweaving moments of joy and profound community spirit.
Endorsed and supported by entities like Loddon Shire, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Music Victoria, and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Whole Loddon Love stands as a testament to communities and artists converging in times of challenge. Led by Fionna Allan of Lady Adventurer Creative Projects and backed by Theatre Royal Castlemaine, this initiative pledges hope and camaraderie.
For more details, visit www.wholeloddonlove.com or reach out at wholeloddonlove@ladyadventurer.com.au.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 22 September 2023.
