A “HUGE success” is how organisers of the Lost Highway Karuah Bluegrass Festival described this year’s event.
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Attendance numbers were up, though not all 500 tickets sold out, and the weather stayed clear throughout the May 6 to 8 weekend.
It was a pleasant return to form after the April super storm put a dampener on the 2015 festival, which was held 10 days after the east coast low system hit the area.
“This year was a huge success,” Gleny Rae, a musician and organiser of the festival, said.
“It was everything we wanted it to achieve: friendly, inclusive and accessible.
“I feel like we’ve finally succeeded in achieving that local community feel to the event. We’ve had great feedback from the Karuah community so far.”
The festival was started by a group of residents looking to breathe new life into the town after it was bypassed by the highway.
It is estimated to inject $100,000 into Karuah’s economy.
A major drawcard within the festival this year was Saturday night’s Soulfire Circus performance in the big top.
Karuah Public School students and young Woirmi acrobats from the nearby mission joined the circus performers for their act.
Ms Rae and band, which goes by the name of Gleny Rae Virus and her Playboys, played live music during the circus act.
“Gleny and Sharon [Wedd] and their volunteers have done a brilliant job on this little festival despite the many troubles thrown their way,” organisers of the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival posted to Facebook on Monday about the Karuah event.
“We encourage all who have a love for the very special atmosphere that we little festivals take pride in to go along next year and check it out.”
Some disappointed about the festival was also shared on Facebook. Ken White posted he was disappointed the festival was held on Mother’s Day.
“Perhaps the organisers can avoid such a weekend when setting a date for 2017,” Mr White suggested.
Port Stephens police crime manager, Detective Inspector George Radmore, said there were no complaints made about the festival.
“There were no policing issues arising from it,” he said.
The Blue Water Country and Blues Music Festival will be the next large-scale music and entertainment event staged in Port Stephens.
This year’s festival is being organised by Jaimie Abbott Communications on behalf of the Nelson Bay and Districts Business Association.
It will be held across various venues in Nelson Bay and surrounds between June 11 and 13. The annual event attracts an estimated 20,000 visitors a day, and injects $2 million into the Port’s economy.
